Canada vs Finland semifinal hinges on one thing: Jordan Binnington and what he must do between the pipes

Feb 20, 2026 (9:51)

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Frankie Corrado just put Team Canada men’s hockey on notice, Jordan Binnington has to own the crease today with Finland waiting.

The stakes are simple. Win Friday and you play for gold.

Corrado’s point hit because it’s not about talent. It’s about one spot that can swing a single game.

Canada has rolled shifts all tournament. The semifinal is where every rebound turns into a headline.

Connor McDavid has already looked like a cheat code. He posted a 1-2-3 line in Canada’s earlier 2-0 win, and the power play finally looked ruthless.

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But Finland isn’t going to trade rush chances all night. They squeeze the middle, grind your touches, and wait for one nervous puck.

That’s why Corrado circling one player matters. In tight games, your goalie’s calm becomes the whole bench’s oxygen.

Canada plays Finland in the men’s hockey semifinal Friday, with a trip to the gold medal game on the line.

Canadian fans feel it too, that mix of confidence and dread, because we’ve all watched one bad goal erase 55 minutes of dominance.

Binnington doesn’t need to steal it with ten bell saves. He needs clean first touches, smart freezes, and zero extra chaos.

If Sidney Crosby is limited or out, the margin shrinks even more. Every neutral-zone turnover becomes a “please make a save” moment.

This is where Canada’s blue line has to help him. Box out, tie up sticks, and let pucks hit bodies instead of eyes.

Finland will test low pads and second chances. Canada has to win the crease like it’s a playoff series.

Get through Friday, and the gold medal matchup gets set immediately after the semis.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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FEVRIER 20\|276 ANSWERS Canada vs Finland semifinal hinges on one thing: Jordan Binnington and what he must do between the pipes Should Jordan Binnington start the gold medal game if Team Canada wins today?
Yes	226	81.9 %
No	50	18.1 %
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