‘That was goalie interference’: Finland unhappy with Canada’s game-tying goal

Canada’s valiant comeback against Finland was met with a little bit of controversy.

When speaking to the media after the team’s semifinal loss at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Finland forward Joel Armia noted that his team lost to a team that only scored once at even strength, but that the goal shouldn’t have counted.

“Five-on-five, they got one goal,” Armia said. “That was goalie interference.”

The goal in question came just past the halfway mark of the third period. With Canada down 2-1, defenseman Shea Theodore unleashed a one-timer that beat goaltender Juuse Saros to level the score. However, it was the play that led up to the goal that left some of Finland up in arms.

A moment before the equalizer, Canada forward Brad Marchand had made contact with Saros. However, seconds had passed, and Saros was able to get back into position to try and make a save. On second glance, it was clear that Finland’s Erik Haula had bumped Marchand, leading the veteran to collide with Saros.

Saros was asked about the incident, and the Finnish netminder said it’s simply part of Marchand’s game.

“I mean, he does that all the time,” Saros said. “So, it’s part of his game.”

When asked if Marchand deliberately bumped into him, Saros deflected his answer to the viewer’s discretion.

“You guys have seen him multiple times, so I think you know.”

The goal certified all the momentum Canada needed to complete the comeback, as Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of regulation, sending the team back to the gold medal game for the first time in 12 years.

Finland, the defending Olympic champions, is relegated to playing for bronze. They will face the loser of the United States–Slovakia semifinal on Saturday in Milan.