Connor McDavid becomes Finland’s ultimate target as coach promises dramatic battle against Canada superstar

Connor McDavid has turned the 2026 Winter Olympics into his personal showcase, and now Finland is searching everywhere for answers. Canada’s captain has piled up 11 points in just four games, carrying even more weight after Sidney Crosby’s injury.

His speed, vision, and timing have tilted the ice in Canada’s favor. With the semifinal looming, the focus has shifted from admiration to survival. Finland knows the reality. If McDavid controls the game, Canada moves one step closer to gold.Canada’s path to the semifinal was anything but routine. Three quarterfinals needed overtime, a reminder that nothing comes easy at this level. Yet McDavid has made the difficult look almost routine.

Finland head coach Antti Pennanen did not hide his respect, calling him, “[Connor McDavid] is the best player in this tournament.” Respect, however, only goes so far when a place in the Olympic final hangs in the balance.

How to stop Connor McDavid? Finland coach drops bold plan

Antti Pennanen is making plans to slow down Connor McDavid. He revealed his plan with unusual honesty, saying, “[Aleksander] Barkov. He is going to help me about that. I should call [him] and he can give some advice.”

The choice makes sense. Barkov’s Florida Panthers defeated McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers in back to back Stanley Cup Finals, using discipline and structure to limit his space.Even from the sidelines, Barkov’s influence matters. He is currently recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, which keeps him out of the Olympic lineup. Still, his understanding of McDavid’s habits, especially where he accelerates and how he finds passing lanes, could offer Finland small but valuable clues.

Finland does have pieces who know that championship formula. Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola were part of those Panthers teams that frustrated McDavid on hockey’s biggest stage. They understand the patience required. Against Canada, chasing McDavid rarely works. Containing him, forcing him wide, and limiting clean entries offers a better chance.Yet the Olympic stage brings a different challenge. Canada’s roster surrounds McDavid with elite talent, far deeper than what he usually has in Edmonton. That makes defensive focus harder. One mistake, one half second of hesitation, and the puck is already behind you.Finland’s hope rests in collective discipline and borrowed wisdom. Because right now, slowing Connor McDavid feels less like a tactic and more like a test of belief.