Team Canada Rallies Past Finland to Reach Olympic Gold Medal Game Amidst Teemu Selanne's Officiating Complaints
Despite trailing for a significant portion of today's matchup against Finland, Team Canada has officially punched their ticket to the Olympic Gold Medal game. Overcoming the major loss of Sidney Crosby, the Canadian squad fought back from a 2-0 hole, ultimately sending the Finns to a Bronze medal clash against either the USA or Slovakia. While the comeback victory seems like a cut-and-dry finish for most, one former NHL legend feels the deck was stacked against Finland.
Teemu Selanne Slams IIHF Officiating
Following the game, Finnish hockey icon Teemu Selanne took to X to air his grievances. His primary concern? The IIHF’s choice of referees. Selanne took issue with the fact that Eric Furlatt and Dan O’Rourke, both Canadians, were assigned to officiate a game involving Team Canada.
The referees for Canada-Finland. I'm sure everybody in both countries will be very rational about this. pic.twitter.com/gnIZYtucqA
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 20, 2026
Selanne's frustration boiled over, going as far as to claim that it’s impossible to beat the "Greatest Hockey Country" and their officials in one night.
Beating greatest hockey country in the world and Canadian referees same night is impossible I guess… absolutely embarrassing penalty 90 seconds to go in Olympic semifinal.. what a joke🤬
— Teemu Selanne (@TeemuSel8nne) February 20, 2026
The Late High-Sticking Call: Was the Penalty Justified?
The core of Selanne's gripe stems from a crucial high-sticking penalty called late in the game. This penalty gave Canada the late powerplay opportunity they needed, eventually allowing Nathan MacKinnon to bury the game-winning goal.
MACKINNON GIVES CANADA THE 3-2 LEAD WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT 🚨🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/8RTJnoAATP
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 20, 2026
The only problem with Selanne's complaint? Video evidence shows the call was completely justified.
Sorry, Teemu, but a high stick is a high stick. https://t.co/fmqQxTCFdg pic.twitter.com/7tk9fGJ2TV
— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) February 20, 2026
Fans React and What's Next for Finland
As expected, hockey fans immediately jumped all over Selanne for the controversial take. While it is hard to blame him for his patriotism and passion for the sport, this specific play certainly isn't a hill I'd be willing to die on. After a fairly officiated game, congratulations should go out to Team Canada for fighting back to secure a massive win.
As for the Finns, they will still get an opportunity to medal and will hopefully take a crucial lesson away from today's loss: you can't just sit back for two periods and try to defend a lead against some of the best players in the world.