MILAN — Sebastian Aho, Kaapo Kakko, Joel Kiviranta and captain Mikael Granlund each scored twice for Finland in an 11-0 beatdown of host Italy. The 11-goal margin made it the most lopsided men’s hockey game at the Olympics since 1988, when Sweden beat France 13-2.
Because of goal differential, the Finns were incentivized to run up the score on an overmatched opponent. At one point, Finland had eight goals and Italy had eight shots.
Among current Dallas Stars players on the Finland side, Mikko Rantanen contributed three assists of his own and Miro Heiskanen also registered a goal and an assist.
“I’d expect nothing less,” Italy captain Thomas Larkin said. “That’s the game we’re playing here. Yeah, that stings for us obviously from a pride perspective but also in the standings.”
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Finland coach Antti Pennanen and his staff told players about the tiebreaker before puck drop.
“They knew that, and then we told them honestly what is the situation,” Pennanen said. “We had a plan. First plan: win the game. And then do goals as much as you can.”
Barring something incredibly unforeseen in games, Finland is into the quarterfinals as the No. 4 seed.
62-15 SOG for Finland is just offensive.
Mikko Rantanen had three points, and Miro Heiskanen had two. Somehow, no points for Roope Hintz in the 11-0 win over Italy.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) February 14, 2026
Stars vs. Italy
Mikko Rantanen (2025-present): 3 assists (+1)
Miro Heiskanen (2018-present): 1 goal, 1 assist (+2)
Esa Lindell (2016-present): 0 points (+2)
Roope Hintz (2018-present): 0 points (+1)
Joel Kiviranta (2020-23): 2 goals (+2)
Mikael Granlund (2025): 2 goals (+3)
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Watch: Mikko Rantanen has viral moment with young fan at Olympics after Finland’s game
The Stars forward gave a child his stick after Finland’s win over Sweden, but quickly realized he couldn’t do that and came up with an alternative.