Canada's Olympic journey continues with a thrilling victory over Finland, setting the stage for a gold medal showdown. In a gripping contest that highlighted the growing rivalry between these two hockey powerhouses, Canada emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, marking the fourth consecutive one-goal game in their best-on-best clashes.
The Finns came out strong, with Mikko Rantanen opening the scoring, showcasing the threat that had concerned many, including hockey analyst Kevin Bieksa. Finland's relentless pressure paid off again in the second period. Despite being shorthanded, they capitalized on a turnover, with Joel Armia setting up Erik Haula for a breakaway goal, extending their lead to 2-0.
Canada felt the absence of Josh Morrissey, whose defensive prowess and offensive flair were sorely missed. His knack for transitioning the puck could have been a game-changer, especially as Canada struggled to find their rhythm early on.
The Canadian offense finally sparked late in the second period when Sam Reinhart tipped in a power-play goal, narrowing the gap before the intermission. This momentum shift set the stage for an electrifying third period.
With renewed energy and physicality, Canada dominated the final frame. They netted two crucial goals, including a dramatic late-game winner from Nathan MacKinnon, seizing a 3-2 lead. From there, they tightened their defensive play, securing the win and a spot in the gold medal game.
Head coach Jon Cooper provided an update on Morrissey, suggesting his Olympic journey might not be over yet. As Canada gears up for the final, questions also hover around the status of captain Sidney Crosby, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their preparations.
Canada will face either the United States or Slovakia in the gold medal game, scheduled for Sunday morning at 7:10 a.m. CT. With their eyes set on continuing their Olympic dominance, the Canadians are poised to add another glorious chapter to their international legacy.