Canada Advances to Gold Medal Game
In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the Milan Cortina Games, Canada secured a spot in the men’s hockey gold medal game by narrowly defeating Finland 3-2. The game was marked by a signature move from Brad Marchand, known for his devilish antics on the ice, which played a pivotal role in Canada’s comeback.
Key Moments in the Game
Coached by Jon Cooper, Canada found themselves trailing 2-1 midway through the third period when Marchand, playing as a forward for the Florida Panthers, engaged in his classic style of play—parking himself in front of Finnish goalie Juuse Saros. During a chaotic moment, Erik Haula inadvertently nudged Marchand into Saros, and the veteran player lingered in the crease just long enough to disrupt the goalie. This allowed Canadian defenseman Shea Theodore to find the back of the net with a powerful shot, tying the game at 2-2.
“First of all, Brad’s being Brad, and I like that Brad,”
– Jon Cooper
After the victory, Cooper offered his thoughts on Marchand’s actions, acknowledging the player’s predictable yet effective tactics. Canada clinched the lead with Nathan MacKinnon’s decisive goal just 36 seconds before the final buzzer.
Reactions to the Controversial Play
Despite the intensity of the game, no penalty was awarded for Marchand’s maneuver, with Cooper affirming he didn’t expect one upon reviewing the incident. Marchand’s positioning appeared to align with international hockey rules, as he was pushed into the crease and then attempted to evacuate the area.
In lighthearted fashion, Saros offered his perspective on the moment, acknowledging Marchand’s notorious reputation.
“You guys have seen him multiple times, so I think you know. Of course, yeah. I mean, he does that all the time,”
– Juuse Saros
Marchand himself commented on the play, stating,
“Honestly, once I got in the paint and kind of got pushed at him, I was just trying to get out of the way again. If they didn’t like it, they would’ve challenged it. I knew it was a goal.”
His nonchalant demeanor regarding how much he had actually been pushed into the crease highlighted his confidence in the situation.
Finland’s Response
Finland’s coach, Antti Pennanen, ultimately decided against challenging the goal, expressing confidence that it was a legitimate score. He praised his team’s performance despite their inability to maintain a 2-0 lead against a resilient Canadian squad.
“Really good hockey players. It was a huge challenge for us and overall Team Canada,”
– Antti Pennanen
“But our players gave everything they had today. I’m so proud of how we played today. It wasn’t enough.”
Marchand’s Legacy
As the tournament progresses, Marchand’s impactful style of play remains a topic of discussion, especially at the age of 37, reinforcing his reputation as one of hockey’s most animated competitors.
