If that Sweden-Finland semifinal doesn't go down as one of the most iconic World Juniors games, then I guess I don't know how to define an iconic game.
Finland did everything they needed to do against the Swedes. Limiting Sweden's offensive chances? Save for a botched save in the opening seconds of the game, Finland did that quite well. Outshooting Sweden? Finland did that too. Keeping pace with Sweden on the scoresheet? Check that off the list.
The one thing Finland didn't do: win the game.
Finland had chances galore in the final minutes of the third following the 3-3 goal scored by Joona Saarelainen and again throughout the ten minute overtime period. They also had three chances to seal the deal in the shootout, yet were denied all three times by Swedish goaltender Love Harenstam.
And when Sweden had the chance to win the game, they took it. Anton Frondell would eventually score the shootout winner to send Sweden to its second gold medal game in three tournaments.
Meanwhile, Finland will play in the bronze medal game for the third time in five tournaments. That game will see them play Canada, who is coming off of a third-consecutive knockout round loss to Czechia.
And speaking of iconic World Juniors games, that Canada-Czechia game might also fit the bill.
After Canada took a 1-0 lead, Czechia would respond to tie things up at one apiece. From that point on, it was a back-and-forth pattern in terms of scoring, with Czechia taking a one-goal lead followed by Canada responding to tie the game.
Despite Czechia controlling the puck for long stretches and bringing the game to Canada, something that has played a role in their consistent domination of the Canadians in recent years, Canada would still find ways to strike back and give themselves a chance. Be it on a dominant power play or on a screen, Canada had their chance to finally beat Czechia in the knockouts.
And then, just like in 2024 and in 2025, Czechia broke Canada's hearts at the last possible moment. With just over one minute to play, Michael Misa lost out on a challenge to Tomas Poletin just outside of the Canadian crease; the puck would bounce in off of the back of Poletin's skate.
From there, Canada looked deflated. Whether it was Cole Reschny's outburst following a late penalty or Gavin McKenna's dispute with the referees that led to him receiving a game misconduct, it really didn't seem like there was much energy left for Canada after the 5-4 goal.
Even though Canada sent what seemed like their best roster since 2023, it clearly didn't resemble their best against Czechia. And now, instead of having a chance to play for gold, the Canadians will play Finland for bronze.
It's a situation that many thought unthinkable at the beginning of the tournament when Canada was winning, but it's one that has become reality.
With that in mind, both teams are going to have to find a way to overcome their respective heartbreaks, and fast. The emphasis here is more on Canada than on Finland; while Finland's shootout loss is painful, Canada could be seen to lack discipline throughout the final two minutes of the game against Czechia. That alone ended any chance of a comeback before it could even start; considering the wacky nature of the game, I wouldn't have been surprised if Canada had tied the game at 5 had everything gone a little better.
Another factor that will play a role in this bronze medal game will involve how each team plays to open up each period. The first and second periods would see Finland completely stumble out of the gate against Sweden, giving up goals in the first two minutes of both periods. For Canada, opening periods were a mixed bag; despite giving up a goal in the first four minutes of the second, Canada's second game-tying goal would come just four minutes into the third period.
While the two previous issues can be seen to implicate both teams, the shot count and scoring chances could put Canada at a disadvantage against Finland. Despite trailing the shot count 19-18 heading into the third, Czechia would completely dominate the third period, outshooting the Canadians 18-6. It was a similar story throughout the game as a whole; not only did Canada look all but lifeless for several stretches of five-on-five hockey, but it also seemed like Czechia was creating significantly better scoring chances.
Against Finland, who only outshot Sweden 36-33 despite looking like the better team offensively, Canada has to find a way to play better five-on-five hockey. If not, Finland will control this game and eventually have their way on the offensive side of the ice.
While Canada could easily make up for their heartbreak with another seven goal performance and improved goaltending, Finland should at least play with the same level of determination as the Canadians. Despite losing their group stage matchup 7-4, Finland was able to keep pace with Canada throughout the first half of the game, effectively matching every goal Canada put up over that stretch.
If Finland can once again match Canada's level of play while demonstrating the same intensity on offence as they did against Sweden, then they should walk away with the bronze medal. Ultimately, I think Finland will do a better job getting over their heartbreak and putting together strong performances, allowing for them to cap off their 2026 tournament on a bit of a high.
The pick: Finland 4, Canada 3