Sabres' Konsta Helenius shines on world stage with powerful golden goal

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Sabres' Konsta Helenius shines on world stage with powerful golden goal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The moment simply isn't too big for Konsta Helenius.

A promotion into the lineup in the middle of the Buffalo Sabres' first playoff appearance in 15 years? No problem.

The IIHF World Championships as a 20-year old? Also not a problem.

First, Helenius scored the winning goal when Finland knocked off Canada.

And then in overtime of a scoreless gold medal game, Helenius delivered the golden goal.

It was a brilliant finish, capped off by Helenius managing to truck a couple defenders after slotting the puck in the net:

KONSTA HELENIUS GOLDEN GOAL IN OT #MensWorlds#IIHFpic.twitter.com/4HlCIFFZ8d

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 31, 2026

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Helenius had already made a major case in the postseason that he deserves a sizable role in Buffalo in the 2026-27 season.

After he did this at Worlds, the case is even clearer.

Helenius has made himself an obvious piece of the Sabres' bright future, and he's also given himself immense confidence that he can make plays in big moments.

Nothing about this moment guarantees future success for Helenius, but he did everything he could've wanted during this IIHF tournament, and when he returns to prepare for a new season with the Sabres, he'll do so with plenty of belief in himself.

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