Nathan MacKinnon’s Last-Minute Goal Sends Canada to Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game

Canada is heading back to the Olympic men’s hockey gold-medal game — and it took another dramatic finish to get there.

Nathan MacKinnon delivered the decisive moment, scoring with just 35.2 seconds remaining to lift Canada to a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over Finland in the semifinal on Friday night in Milan.

Late Comeback Seals Canada’s Spot in the Final

Canada found itself trailing after Finland struck first and then extended the lead to two goals. Mikko Rantanen opened the scoring before Erik Haula added a shorthanded goal that stunned the Canadians.

But the momentum began to shift late in the second period when Sam Reinhart tipped in a shot from Cale Makar, cutting the deficit and energizing the team.

Shea Theodore then tied the game midway through the third period with a shot through heavy traffic that beat Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros, reigniting the crowd dressed in red and white.

MacKinnon Delivers in the Clutch

With overtime looming, Canada earned a crucial power play. Connor McDavid, serving as captain in the absence of the injured Sidney Crosby, set up the winning play with a perfectly timed saucer pass over defender Roope Hintz’s stick.

MacKinnon capitalized, firing the puck past Saros to give Canada the lead — a goal that stood after a tense video review for offside.

The late strike sparked wild celebrations and kept Canada’s bid for a third consecutive Olympic title alive when NHL players participate.

ALSO READ: Canada’s Overtime Win Over Czechia Ignites Social Media at Winter Olympics

Finland’s Strong Defense Finally Cracked

Finland’s disciplined defensive system had frustrated Canada for much of the game, slowing attacks and limiting scoring chances.

However, Canada’s relentless pressure eventually paid off:

• Canada dominated shots in the second period (14–3)
• Macklin Celebrini created screens and shooting opportunities
• The stacked Canadian lineup broke through late

Despite Saros making several spectacular saves, the Finnish defense couldn’t hold off the surge in the closing minutes.

Gold Medal Match Awaits

The victory keeps alive the possibility of another blockbuster North American final, depending on the outcome of the other semifinal between the United States and Slovakia.

Canada now moves one step away from Olympic gold — and history.

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