Erik Haula’s Shorthanded Goal Powers Finland’s 2-0 Shock Win Over Canada in 2026 Olympic Hockey Semifinal

Erik Haula’s short-handed dagger lifts Finland over Canada in Olympic semifinal surge Finland’s veteran center Erik Haula delivered the signature moment of the men’s ice-hockey tournament Friday, breaking Canadian hearts with a lethal short-handed goal that doubled the Finns’ advantage early in the second period of their Milano-Cortina 2026 semifinal. Haula jumped on a neutral-zone turnover, burst past the Canadian blue line and roofed a backhand over goaltender Jordan Binnington for a 2-0 lead that proved decisive in Finland’s eventual 3-1 win. The goal encapsulated everything that has made the 32-year-old Nashville Predators forward one of Finland’s most trusted two-way weapons: explosive acceleration, a relentless forecheck and an instinct for big-game theatrics. It was Haula’s third tally of the Games and his second game-winner, underscoring why head coach Antti Pennanen tapped the NHLer for primary penalty-killing duties despite Finland’s deep forward corps. Canada had been pressing on its first power play when Sebastian Aho was whistled for interference, but Haula seized the moment just 37 seconds into the kill. The Finns then clamped down defensively, with Juuse Saros turning aside 34 shots, while Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz supplied the remaining markers. Connor McDavid’s late strike offered Canada a glimmer of hope, yet Haula’s backbreaker remained the flashing neon memory replayed on arena screens and social media highlight reels. For Haula, the Olympic spotlight crowns a renaissance season. After posting 47 points with Nashville and ranking among the league’s top 20 in faceoff percentage, he arrived in Italy brimming with confidence and fresh legs following the NHL’s Olympic break. His three-zone reliability has allowed Pennanen to match him against elite pivots like McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, while still freeing him to attack in transition. The storyline also heightens buzz around Haula’s pending contract talks in Nashville; Predators GM Barry Trotz hinted last month that an extension would hinge on Haula’s “ability to impact winning on the biggest stages.” Friday’s heroics check that box emphatically, and a gold-medal berth only strengthens his negotiating leverage. Finland now advances to Sunday’s final, seeking to defend its 2022 Beijing title and become the first nation to repeat men’s hockey gold since Canada in 2010–2014. Haula, who tallied twice in Finland’s quarterfinal comeback against Switzerland, sits one goal behind Rantanen for the team lead and remains squarely in the tournament MVP conversation. Should the Lions finish the job, Haula’s short-handed stunner will stand alongside Teemu Selänne’s 2006 bronze-clincher and Kasperi Kapanen’s 2019 World Juniors overtime winner in the pantheon of Finnish clutch goals—a reminder that Olympic legends are often written by players whose grit equals their skill.