In the Olympic semi-final held in Milano, Canada faced off against Finland, resulting in a thrilling match that concluded with a 3-2 victory for the Canadians. Finland's Lions exhibited tremendous spirit and resilience, ultimately falling short despite leading the game 2-0 early on. Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive goal on a power play with just 36 seconds left on the clock, showcasing Canada's determination to advance despite the odds stacked against them.

The match underscored the psychological aspect of competitive sports, as noted by Canadian player Sam Reinhart. Reinhart emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and the challenge posed by the Finnish team, asserting that they are arguably the best at defending a lead. The game highlighted Finland's capability to mount formidable defenses, making it essential for teams like Canada to be on their toes throughout the match. Reinhart, who plays alongside Aleksander Barkov with the Florida Panthers, expressed disappointment over his teammate's absence due to a knee injury, citing it as a significant loss for the tournament.

As the Canadian players celebrated their hard-fought win, they reflected on the emotional weight of the match and the broader implications for the tournament. Moving forward, Canada’s victory allows them to proceed to the next round of the Olympic competition, yet it also showcases the competitive spirit of hockey where any team can come back from adversity. This match not only highlighted the rivalry between Canada and Finland but also set the stage for tense encounters in the upcoming stages of the Olympics, as teams vie for gold in the world’s premier hockey tournament.