Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - OLYMPICS SQUAD: FINLAND FLEX: Juuse Saros SHUTS DOWN Sweden

Episode Date: February 14, 2026

Finland shocks Sweden with a commanding 4-1 win in a fierce Nordic rivalry, as Juuse Saros rebounds with standout goaltending and Mikko Rantanen finds the scoresheet. Can Sweden bounce back after defensive lapses and an underwhelming performance from its blue line? Gil Martin, David Morasuti, and Glenn Dreyfus break down the dramatic shift in Group play, highlight William Nylander’s return from injury, and spotlight Slovakia’s narrow escape against a spirited Italy fueled by Damian Clara’s 35-save effort.Canada flexes its offensive muscle with the McDavid-MacKinnon-Celebrini line, all scoring in a 3-goal outburst against Switzerland, with the power play looking unstoppable. The crew debates Canada’s goaltending rotation, growing storylines around France’s scare for Czechia, and the impact of Olympic play on NHL rosters. Who can stop Team Canada’s momentum? Find out what these results mean for the medal rounds and which sleeper teams are poised to make headlines. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.FactorHead to http://factormeals.com/lockedonnhl50off and use code lockedonnhl50off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelThe Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Olympic tournament continues and the excitement is building here as we enter the first weekend of the men's tournament. We've got all that and more covered on today's Locked-on NHL Olympic Squad Show. You are talking puck with the NHL Squad Show. From the Oilers to the stars, Golden Knights, and the Panthers, the Rangers, Avalanche, and yes, even the Maple Leafs. The Locked-on podcast network brings together all its local experts to provide the scoops, breakdowns, and comprehensive looks at all the NHL, with plenty of trash talk to go with it. Don't miss the hard hits and glove dropping hot takes on the Locked-on NHL Squad Show. It's time to drop the puck.

Welcome everybody to the Locked-on NHL Olympics squad show as we cover the Olympics from end to end here in the world of hockey. I'm Gilmartin of Lockdown Islanders. I'm here with David Morrissey of Locked On Leafs and Glenn. Dreyfus of Locked on Cracken. Thank you for making the Locked on NHL Squad show your first listen every day. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the like button so you never miss an episode. And thank you for helping to make Locked on the number one sports podcast network. Gentlemen, the Olympic tournament continues.

We've had some interesting action. And, you know, today we had the big rivalry game between Finland and Sweden. How surprised were you guys by the outcome of this game with the Finns coming away with a 4-1 win? I'll let you go first, Clyde. Well, you know, this Nordic rivalry is more intense than you would expect. When these teams get on the ice, there's a lot of bragging rights at stake. And given the outcome of these two teams' previous games, when Sweden rolled and Finland got upset.

No, I wasn't expecting Finland to win by three goals, but that's what happened. A lot of that was U.C. Soros coming back to form in net for Finland, but they win four to one. And maybe we can say that Finland lost to Slovakia was a wake-up call. Maybe you can say that. Obviously, I can't say it because I can't pronounce Slovakia. But I believe it was a wake-up call for Finland. And I think they showed, I think it was just too bad for Finland that they caught the Finns when they were angry. Yeah, you know what?

Like, it's funny because we spent all this time wondering if UC Saros can be the guy that he was, you know, a few years. years ago with Nashville. He's kind of seen a dip in his play. Then he goes and he says, oh, yeah, okay. Just pitch a dominant victory for my team where you silence the, no, the biggest name, one of the big, you know, powerhouse teams. And look, look at the guys who also stepped up for Finland. We did say, you know, you look at Miko Ranton. He scored. Obviously, it was an empty net goal. But, you know, you get him scored. You get. just kind of production from all over the lab. That's what Finland has to do.

They have to get guys contributing from all areas because that's how they're kind of built. They don't have, you know, the wealth of star talent, but they have good enough players to be competitive. And I mean, I think it's just going to show how much goaltending is really shaping some of these games. The ones where, you know, some teams can hope that they get a good, enough goal-tending performance and some timely goals, or they get a lead and really can pour

it on. I mean, two nothing after the first period, I'm sure Sweden felt a little shell-shocked, right? And so it's a bigger question now for Sweden is, you know, you beat Italy, but it, you know, it wasn't the most convincing when given the, you know, the caliber of talent on Sweden versus Italy. Now Finland just, that group has gone very interesting with, you know, with the way Slovakia is playing,

with the way that Sweden and Finland. That's, it's going to throw that group in a little bit of a loop, I think. But it's nice to have some unpredictable results have. That's why I think Olympic hockey can really thrive is when you have a little bit of unpredictable

results and goal differential is going to be key now because both Sweden and Finland, both have losses and both of them have the exact same goal differential. So it's going to be interesting to see how that all shakes out. As far as Sweden is concerned, they did out shoot Finland. Does that give them any solace whatsoever as far as the way this game ended? You can say that.

You can say that they were, it's not like Finland dominated player. They didn't control play. I'll give a shout out to hockey stats. If you're looking for, if you're somebody who likes to look into more of the intricate, high, you know, advanced stats, not even like that much craziness, but though they track not just shots on goal, but slot shots, inner slot shots. So Sweden had an overwhelming advantage in slot shots 19 to 9. But where I think Finland and Sweden were a bit, when you look at what allowed this game to be put, Finland in a position to win this game, it was only 7 to 6 in the inner slot shots in Sweden's favor. So, yeah, they had a lot of shots.

And you look, yes, they had quite a few shots in the slot. But where Finland made it count were right in tight. Get in the goalie's kitchen. And that's in a lot of ways, that's where hockey is now dominated. If you can get into those slot areas, if you can get into that area of the ice, you're going to do pretty well. So give them a lot of credit. They exploited that. And if I'm Sweden, I'm probably more concerned about the fact that, yeah, you put on a lot of shots,

but you gave up a lot of quality in this game as well. Does the goaltending of Sweden become some kind of an issue? Yeah, I really wouldn't think so. You know, Philip Gustafson gives up three goals. That's not a horrible performance by any means. and as David points out, there were a lot of high danger chances for Finland. So this isn't like we were talking about the women's game, Canada and U.S., where it was really kind of one-sided, one-sided.

I wouldn't be surprised. These two teams could meet again in the medal round, and it could be a different result. It wouldn't surprise me at all because I, I think this is kind of a feeling out game. Like I said, both teams just have to get to the medal round and have a chance to do it again. Yeah, I mean, look, like Gus is said, not, I mean, he's played much better than this. We've seen it this year for Minnesota.

You know, they don't necessarily have, between Guses and you got Markstrom, I don't, I don't know if they're going to put Walsstatt in there unless they really feel that he's a better option. I mean, could very well be. It'd be very interesting to see how they kind of break that all down. But I look at this as, you know, Sweden's got to be better defensively. Like, you got too much talent on that blue line to, you know, have the advantage in shots like they did, but then to come out away with a 4-1 loss. Like that, that's me, you can, people can try to put it on goal tending.

I think that's, it's always too easy of, of a, too easy to say that. I think you have to look a little bit deeper into why exactly did Finland have the success that they did, even though they were outshot. That tells a lot usually in these sort of games for sure. Hey, David, a question for you because I noted William Nylander played in this game. He did get an assist. And as the Leafs guy, there was some question about Neelander's availability. So what do you make of him playing? You know what?

There was a little bit of concern because he was coming, he did return from an injury just before these Olympics and there were concerns as to whether or not this was something that's going to be a lingering issue and if he's, you know, putting too much at risk by playing at the Olympics here.

I thought in the first game, he looked every bit the one in the end are we expected. You know, again, in this one, I think him, Raymond, Rakelle, they were the only ones that, really, you know, they were the more noticeable players, but neither was way more noticeable in the

other game than he was in this game. And I think that that's something there where, you know, Sweden's going to need him to really step it up and not just put chance on that, but bury them, right? He scored in the last game. Yes, he had an assist in this game, but it's clear they're going to need a lot more if they're going to want, you know, going up against some of these tougher teams. You know, Slovakians not going to be easy. They ain't pushovers.

And so if Sweden loses that game and Finland somehow wins, well, I think a good chance they could beat Italy. It's good. Sweden's going to be in a little bit of a tough position where they're not going to get the favorable matchup going into the, you know, past the group stage, the preliminary round. Gil, I have to mention following up on the Nylander situation. It reminds me, I think NHL teams, there are three words that they're saying over and over or not Go Team Go, but don't get hurt. Yeah. Don't get hurt.

I mean, each NHL team has at least one player participating in the Olympics, led by the Florida Panthers with 10. the Golden Knights have nine. The avalanche wild and lightning have eight a piece. So the main thing here, I think above all else, back here in North America is come home healthy. It does matter. It really does. And it kind of makes for an interesting duality for a lot of fans where you're rooting for your guys,

but you're sort of a little bit worried about that possibility. So, yeah, we'll see what ends up happening. So far, no serious injuries that I'm aware of. And let's hope that it stays that way. And obviously, there were concerns about the quality of the ice surface as well. So thankfully, that has not caused any difficulties in regards to injuries. We have got a lot more hockey to talk about, including another game and another win for Canada.

We'll get to the other games today and a lot more next on today's. NHL squad show. The Winter Games are officially here, and if you're anything like us, you're looking at the events you only get to see on the biggest stage every four years. And that's why following the Olympic Games on FanDuel just makes sense. From metal counts to individual events to finding your angle on the sports you care about most, FanDuel gives you more ways to stay connected to the action. That includes things like the drama of curling matches that start.

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But I don't know. I didn't expect it to be that close. I got to get, you know what, I was barely down on my Paisan going into this. I was, we had one player who was anywhere around the NHL and he got hurt in the first game. Yeah. Don't, I was, you know, again, it's, it's nice to see that I think it has to be just the Italian pride of playing in your home country. You know, Italians, I'll tell you this, we, we like, you know, we might get out shot. we might not look like we're in control of the game,

but we're almost like, though, we got you right where we want you. And, you know, I give them credit. They hung in tough. The goaltending has been spectacular. Because if you looked at the chances, like that game should not have been three to two.

I will tell you that. Give, give the Italian goaltending. I think some teams are going to have to make some calls to see if any of these guys. I mean, I know the Anaheim ducks have have won. Maybe you might be looking to see

what's in the water in Italy that's allowing the goalkeeping go from Italian soccer. It's now Italian hockey. Damien Clara. Remember that name. He had 35 saves against

Slovakia. And you know, for teams like USA and Canada, Finland, Sweden, You know, it's about being on the podium. It's about winning a medal.

It's about winning a gold medal. For a lot of these other teams, it's about participating. It's not about being on the podium. And we need to give a shout out to those teams, the Denmarks, the Italy's. I mean, you know they will be celebrating tonight because they made this a game. I mean, they were down 3-1. They pull their goalie. They score a goal to bring themselves within 3-2.

I mean, it was a competitive game. Yeah, they were outshot and they were outplayed. So what? The Italians, they are heroes in their home country tonight and good on them. I think they have shown out well through this tournament. there's no need to hang their heads and and good on them. And I'll bet that they have increased interest in the sport in that country. Well, they got a new arena now in Milan that they're going to be able to play or play in for the next few years.

So got to get some use out of that. Well, you guys all to play the Twentions were in Denmark, remember? Yeah. And they upset Canada. You know, the fans there went crazy. So there is something about playing at home. Yeah. No doubt.

No doubt. It gives you more energy. You're playing in front of friends and family and neighbors and all of that. And certainly having the crowd behind you gives you a little bit more momentum. How about Czechia and France? France hung tough at least for a couple of periods in this one. I was kind of laughing when it was when they get three goals on seven shots. And I was like, oh, man.

is this going to be one of those epic collapses and then check it's like okay enough's enough we cannot lose to france after past it like you know going into this turner i remember when david pastinac showed so much um how upset he was that check it wasn't included in the four nations and after the first game it's like well i think we kind of got our little bit the answer of why that was and then in the

second this game it was like, no, they'll talk me they're going to blow this one too, but give check your credit. They realize they needed to wake up, smoke coffee a little bit. And sometimes the team needs to go through a scare like that to realize, you know, you can't mess around in these tournaments. And so France can hold their head high. But I think they check it need. That was a much needed to wake up call for a lot of guys on that team. Well, France is like Italy in the sense that not much was expected of them.

They're not a hockey power. But boy, did they have five minutes that hockey fans and sports fans in France, they will cherish this. They won't watch this whole game back. But boy, well, they watch the first five minutes of the second period when they scored three goals when they took the lead. And also shout out to my very favorite hockey player, man or a woman, anywhere in the world, Pierre Edward Belmar.

He plays on Team France. He's 40 years old. He played in the NHL with five different teams. You can't be around Pierre Edward Belmar. for five minutes without having a smile on your face. He is the greatest locker room guy ever. He is, he, I'm sure he has a bumper sticker on his car that said, the worst day at the rink is better than the best day anywhere else.

He is just a great guy, an uplifting influence. He's, he's not a great hockey player anymore, but just, you know, he's the NHL's, number one French player. Now that may not seem like a lot to you, but it's a lot in France. I think he played something like 600 or more NHL games. So a shout out to Pierre Edward.

Well done. Former Lightning. Yeah, I think he played 700 games in the NHL. Won a cup with Tampa, if I'm not mistaken. So, you know, this is a player, you know, yeah, up there in age. But this is a great part of, you know, these Olympics is that some of these players that you, you know, yeah, you got Canada,

Sweden and the U.S. with loaded NHL lineers or some of these other teams are like, we don't have that ability. We're going to go in and find players all around. And to find a player like, like Pierre, I think he's playing in the Swiss Lee. I'll tell you this. Swiss league is going to get some, get some run in terms of some visibility in this tournament, because there are some players from that league that are really showing up in a big way. He's been playing there the last two seasons. You know, obviously not, you know, massive. It's a good league.

It's not among the best leagues, but it's, you know, I've hired from a lot of former players or even players during the lockup. That was a prime place that a lot of them wanted to go and play when the NHL was on hiatus. Yeah, the league seems to be growing in reputation. and that is definitely a good thing. Well, Canada was in action on Friday as well, playing Switzerland. We'll break down that game and more coming up on the Locked-on NHL Olympic Squad Show.

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So gentlemen, Canada, Switzerland, was this a good effort for Canada, or do you think they were a little disappointed in, even though they won, that the game was not as one-sided maybe as they would hope? Well, I'll say that here is, you know, you think Switzerland, how good can they really be? Look at that roster.

It's a good roster. And I think that's where we kind of get away from, you know, Canada knew that they're going to be in a tougher battle. The second period, especially I thought Switzerland did a much better job, you know, getting to Canada, playing a little more, you know, with them. But the third period. Carter McDavid, Cheekold, Macklin-Sillibrini, like, I knew this guy was ready for this, but he is showing. anybody who doubted him being on the team. Don't doubt him. He's, you know, and Canada's going to have him for at least four,

hopefully four Olympics. If everything goes well with, with the NHL lobbying players to go. But it's just not fair when you have to go up against a team like this where, you know what, we feel like we need to make a switch. Oh, let's put Nathan McKinnin with McDavid and Celebrini. Like, give me a break. It's just unfair.

And I look like Switzerland, a good team. They have, they should hold their heads high, but Canada is just sure once again, they're just, they overmatch any team in these Olympics right now. The best tweet I saw was about the McDavid McKinnon-Salabrini line, you know, those three being put together, that that's like a weapon of mass destruction that you can use over and over and over. And in fact, all three of them scored goals against Switzerland. All three of them. So that line, I predict they're staying together.

Yeah, I would think so. I mean, the thing is, as good as the idea was to put Tom Wilson there, I just think there's nobody who can step up and skate toe to toe with Carmen David better than Nathan McKinnon. like I call him the horse because once he gets gone co luck trying to stop him and there was a tweet at one point where when McDavid got his

third point of the game it put him at six points through two games the NHL record the record for NHL players at one Olympics is 11 through the whole tournament he's

he's well over halfway there through two games we still have one more preliminary round game. Oh, yeah, by the way, that's against France. So, sorry, Francis. I'm not going to say McDavid's going to break the record in that game. He's going to get pretty close with the way that this has been going. And, yeah, don't take penalties against Canada, guys. Don't. You're, you're asking for pain. You're asking for pain every time. This game actually started out as a good goaltending matchup with a Kera-Schmead. of the Vegas Golden Knights against Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals.

And formerly of the Vegas Golden Knights, by the way. Yeah. That's right. And guys, I think this is an interesting dynamic because Jordan Bennington started in goal against Chechia and won. They didn't go back to Bennington. They went with Logan Thompson. He's a winner now, too. So I'm wondering if you guys have any thoughts about where the Canadians go next.

Do they give Darcy Kemper a start now? Both goalies have played well, both of won easily. I just think that as no offense to Darcy Kemper, the likelihood of the third goalie ever playing in the Olympics is quite low. I think he did. I think he dressed today. and then they gave Jordan Binton just the day off. I think

this is Bendington Thompson going forward and I still think Biddington has the favor of the coaching staff. John Cooper said he made this decision 258 days ago to play Jordan Binnington. So I think it's going to take more than one game.

Yeah, we've had that long to pick. Geez. Poor John Cooper thinking about that for so long. But when you see how Canada just this game here Switzerland definitely put on more more quality chances than I think Czechia did Bennington so I think Logan Thompson's done pretty well

and I don't think it should be a foregone conclusion as Bennington for the rest of the tournament I think you have to at least respect the fact that Thompson played so well so yeah I think against France you're probably going to see Bennington And honestly, if Bennington looks a little shaky, I wouldn't hesitate to go to Logan Thompson. Logan Thompson had a pretty tough outing in terms of quality of chances scored on him. And, you know, other than the one goal he allowed, you know, pretty good for him. I know there was a lot of questions about the Canadian goaltending.

I think it's been the least of our concerns. Hey, David, a question for you in this game, Sam Bennett was back to doing. Sam Bennett things. Yes. And I have a lot of friends in Toronto who get apoplectic when discussing Sam Bennett based on last year's playoffs against the Leafs. Are you in that club, too? Here's the thing.

Team Canada not only has San Bennett, it also has Brad Marshon and has Tom Wilson. Tom Wilson is not as much of a public enemy number one. I think Brian Marchant still holds top spot just because he was a brewing for so long. But Sam Bennett, it's not just one playoff round, okay? We made a couple with this guy because

he took out Matthew Nyes years ago and then he took out Stolars. Like, I do think that even though it's Canada, you know, Leaves fans still hold certain grudges. They'll laugh at the fact that they

get to cheer for a Brad Marchon. Ask them to cheer on a San Benna. It's a little bit of a different story because San Benna just not the most likable. So I do think that I don't know if that changes too much, even with the color of the jersey changing. Okay. And one other thing, Gil, this is just for you and our audience. David should shouldn't be listening to this. Um, women's hockey, U.S. against Italy.

Oh. The game just going final. U.S. beats Italy 6-0. Shots on goal. U.S. 51, Italy 6. Wow. The fact that it was only 6-0 is probably the most surprising part of that game. Because I had that game, I was watching the game, but somebody's like, you got to be

looking what US is doing in Italy. I'm like, do I really have to? Do I have to? Like, this just goes to show, look, the women's game has made strides that it's not just a two-team tournament for the most part. But I'm sorry, it's still a two-team tournament.

Right now in this Olympics, it's a one-team tournament. Poor Italy, because, like, there's no infrastructure for hockey for these, for these other teens. Gil, I think you can speak to also just the changes in the game in the states with the PWH. I think that's helped the U.S.

more than it's helped any other country, in my opinion. Yeah, it probably has. And I just think that we're making progress in women's hockey. Look, Canada versus the U.S. is exciting no matter. Those two could play, you know, on a frozen pond in the middle of nowhere. and I would watch it if it was on at three in the morning. I mean, it's just great hockey. The intensity is there.

But until some of the other countries catch up a little bit, when that happens, it'll take women's hockey to the next level in international competition. And I am looking forward to certainly seeing that happen. And hopefully it will happen soon. Don't forget to check out the Everydayer Club. If you never miss an episode of your favorite NHL Teams podcast on Locked on and the Everydayer club is built for you. Get your favorite teams podcast ad free.

Plus, members only Discord access and more. So head to the link in the show notes for more information about the Everydayers Club. I'm Gilmartin from Locked on Islanders. I want to thank David Morris, Sudy of Lockedon Leafs, Glenn Dreyfus of Lockedon Cracken. Thank you for listening to and watching the Lockedon Olympic NHL Squad show. we will be back Monday with another episode. Have a great weekend, everyone. Enjoy the games.

And thanks again for watching.