Canada has fought back to defeat defending champions Finland 3-2 in an Olympic ice hockey semi-final, advancing to the men's gold-medal game. Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period, capping an extraordinary comeback.
Forward Sam Reinhart ignited Canada's surge, scoring to narrow the deficit, while defenceman Shea Theodore netted the third-period equalizer. Canada will face the winner of the United States vs. Slovakia semi-final for gold on Sunday. Finland will compete for bronze.
Despite a roster rich with National Hockey League talent, Canada faced a two-goal deficit after Finland's Mikko Rantanen scored on a power play early in the game, followed by Erik Haula's shorthanded goal in the second period. Canada, who narrowly defeated the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, managed to rally.
MacKinnon's game-winner, assisted by Connor McDavid, ensured Canada avoided overtime, despite a last-minute offside challenge from Finland that was ultimately unsuccessful. The victory keeps alive hopes for a North American gold medal showdown, with NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.