Canada vs Finland Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Semi-Final
Click here to see what other events are on today at the 2026 Winter Olympics!
Gold medal favourites Canada go up against reigning Olympic champions Finland in what should be a thrilling semi-final encounter.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports (some events will also be televised on the BBC / TNT Sports / Not Televised / USA – NBC, USA Network, CNBC & NBCSN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ (some events can be streamed live on the BBC’s digital platforms / USA – Peacock & nbcolympics.com
Canada vs Finland prediction
We witnessed an incredible quarter-final between USA and Sweden on Wednesday with the former coming out on top in overtime. This showdown between Canada and Finland may just top that in terms of drama when considering the pedigree of both teams and the high stakes involved. But for the Canadians, the build-up to this match is fraught with worry regardless the fitness of their captain. After suffering a lower-body injury in their quarter-final overtime triumph over Czechia, Sidney Crosby is a big doubt to play and losing the three-time Stanley Cup winning forward would be a massive blow for Canada.
Since their defeat at the hands of Slovakia in the preliminary round, Finland continues to go from strength-to-strength, peaking at just the right time. They were pushed to the limit by Switzerland in the last eight but also came through in overtime, demonstrating their ability to clutch up when it matters most. That ultimately, is why they are the defending Olympic champions. Finland have also conceded just three goals across their last three games and such defensive solidarity will provide Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and co with their biggest test yet.
Of the 50 players across both squads, 49 are current NHL players, underlining the quality of personnel on the ice for each nation. Expect a tense and tight affair as Finland look to impose their physicality on the Canadian attackers in a bid not to let them settle. But it’s not just about strength when it comes to this Finnish side, they’ve got the players to finish chances when it matters. Following the quarter-finals, it would be no surprise at all if overtime wasn’t required once again to determine a winner and backing a tie after regulation looks a move well worth making.
Canada vs Finland tip: Match to be tied after regulation
