Teemu Selänne, the legendary Finnish hockey player, is furious about the officiating decisions that influenced Finland's semifinal loss to Canada. He is particularly upset over a high stick penalty called against Niko Mikkola just two and a half minutes before the end of the game, which allowed Canada to score the game-winning goal during the power play. Selänne believes the referees made a critical error, arguing that only the most severe infractions should lead to such penalties in crucial moments of the game.

Selänne highlighted that Mikkola's stick merely grazed Nathan MacKinnon's face, arguing that it was not significant enough to warrant a penalty. He expressed his frustration at the referees for stepping too far into the role of determining the game's outcome, insisting that players should be given more freedom in tense situations. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among players and fans who believe that referee decisions can unduly sway important games.

The incident has sparked debate about officiating standards in hockey, particularly in high-stakes matches like semifinals. Selänne, who had initially been content with the refereeing during much of the game, now calls for a reconsideration of how rules are applied in critical moments. Such discussions are vital for the integrity of the sport as they address the balance between enforcing rules and allowing players to compete fairly without excessive interference from officials.