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A spot in the gold medal game is on the line on Friday in Milan, as Canada and Finland face off in the first semifinal of the men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After a thrilling first few days of the men’s tournament in Italy, the knockout stage will provide even more excitement, as teams look to close in on the gold medal. From the big names of the NHL to stars in Europe, everyone is looking to represent their country proudly and make a deep run in the tournament.
Canada has looked like a juggernaut in the opening days of the tournament. Led by a strong scoring group, featuring Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, the Canadians finished with the best goal differential in the preliminary round, scoring 18 goals, while giving up just three.
However, their run in Italy almost ended early. The team needed to rally back from a late deficit against Czechia in the quarterfinals, with Mitch Marner scoring the game-winning goal.
Finland also needed overtime to survive its quarterfinal game. When taking on Switzerland, the Finns trailed 2-0 in the third. However, they stormed back to force extra time, with Artturi Lehkonen scoring the game-winner.
Canada came into Milan as a heavy favorite to win gold, something the team has not done since the Sochi Games in 2014, the last time NHLers were allowed to compete at the Olympics. Canada has made it to the semifinals in five of the six tournaments with NHL participation.
Finland is the defending Olympic champion, and is hoping to make it to the gold medal game for the first time with NHLers since 2006, the last time the Winter Games were held in Italy.
MEN’S HOCKEY
Canada vs. Finland
When: Friday, February 20
Time: 10:40 a.m. ET
Where: Milano Santagiulia IHO (Milan, Italy)
Channel: USA Network