In the Olympic semifinals, Finnish goalie Juuse Saros was tested severely by the Canadian team, making an impressive 36 saves, including several highlight-reel stops. Despite his remarkable performance, the effort was not enough to secure a victory for Finland, as Canada clinched a 3-2 win with a late goal from star player Nathan MacKinnon. The loss meant that Finland's run in the tournament came to an end, with the team being unable to capitalize on Saros's stellar play.

After the match, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper offered rare praise for Saros, highlighting him as one of the most talented goalies he has encountered. Cooper, who is also the coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL, emphasized Saros's skill in a league where goaltenders are typically much larger. Saros, at 179 cm, stands out among his peers, many of whom are over 188 cm tall. This uniqueness has enabled Saros to establish himself as a superstar in the NHL, despite facing challenges during his season with the Nashville Predators.

Cooper's comments shed light on the competitive nature of international hockey and the respect garnered by players like Saros, who can perform at high levels despite their smaller stature in comparison to peers. The recognition from a prominent figure like Cooper could potentially boost Saros's profile and encourage further international recognition for Finnish hockey talents, especially as they prepare for future competitions.