Sportswire Miami Staff/ May 30, 2026
Well, if anyone thought Canada was simply going to cruise into the gold medal game, Finland had other plans.
On Saturday in Zurich, Finland erased an early deficit and stormed past Canada 4-2 in one of the biggest games of the IIHF World Championship tournament. Leading the charge were Florida Panthers teammates Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell, who now find themselves just one win away from bringing home gold.
For much of the opening period, Canada looked exactly like the powerhouse many expected. The Canadians controlled play early and carried a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Finland appeared to be on its heels.
That changed almost immediately after the second period began.
Just 49 seconds into the middle frame, Barkov delivered the equalizer, burying a goal that completely changed the mood inside Swiss Life Arena. The score was suddenly tied 2-2, and Finland never looked back.
The goal ignited a dominant stretch from the Finns. Finland outshot Canada 10-3 during the second period and dictated the pace for long stretches. Roughly ten minutes after tying the game, Barkov helped create the eventual game-winner, picking up an assist on Konsta Helenius’ go-ahead goal. Mikael Granlund also recorded an assist on the play.
Aatu Räty later added another goal to provide breathing room as Finland closed out the 4-2 victory and punched its ticket to the championship game.
For Barkov, the performance was simply the latest chapter in what has been an outstanding tournament. Serving as Finland’s captain, the Panthers star has been at the center of nearly everything the team has accomplished.
Through nine games, Barkov has compiled three goals and eight assists for 11 points, leading Finland in scoring and consistently delivering in the biggest moments. His semifinal performance against Canada may have been his most important yet, as Finland overturned a deficit against one of the tournament favorites and advanced to the final.
Waiting for Finland on Sunday will be tournament host Switzerland.
The Swiss have enjoyed a remarkable run on home ice, moving through the tournament unbeaten before advancing to the championship game. They also hold one significant advantage heading into the rematch: Switzerland already defeated Finland 4-2 during the preliminary round.
That result gives Sunday’s final an extra layer of intrigue. Finland now has a chance to avenge its only loss of the tournament while competing for a world championship.
The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday at 2:20 p.m. ET. With Barkov and Lundell helping lead the way, Finland stands just 60 minutes from capturing gold and completing one of the tournament’s most impressive runs.
