Canada’s men’s hockey team continued its torrid start to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics with a convincing 5-1 win over Switzerland on Friday. Now 2-0 in preliminary round play, the gold-medal favorites have outscored opponents 10-1, showcasing the depth and star power that made them heavy favorites entering the tournament. The victory came a day after a 5-0 shutout of Czechia, reinforcing Canada’s status as the team to beat in Group A.
The matchup against the Swiss highlighted coach Jon Cooper’s tactical flexibility, particularly with his top line deployment. Switzerland, featuring 10 NHLers like Roman Josi and Timo Meier, entered after a 4-0 rout of France. Yet Canada controlled the game across all zones, pulling away in the third period despite a competitive start.
Building a supercharged top line with McDavid, MacKinnon and Celebrini
Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini formed a devastating trio that coach Cooper assembled mid-game. Initially, Celebrini centered McDavid with MacKinnon on the second line, but Cooper reunited them after McDavid’s first-period power-play goal. This adjustment paid immediate dividends, as the line generated multiple scoring chances.
Celebrini’s second goal of the tournament came early in the second period, roofing a one-timer off a no-look backhand pass from MacKinnon. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks star has now scored in consecutive games, validating his inclusion as a rookie sensation alongside veterans. McDavid and MacKinnon each tallied three points, with McDavid assisting on Harley’s goal and MacKinnon’s empty-netter.
Defensively, the line impressed in tournament play where two-way reliability matters. MacKinnon and McDavid have proven shutdown capabilities in Stanley Cup playoffs, while Celebrini’s prospect pedigree emphasizes backchecking and faceoffs. Playing them together creates matchup nightmares for opponents, blending speed, skill and structure.
This “Big Mac” evolution—now super-sized—bolsters Canada’s attack without sacrificing balance. Early experiments could evolve into a staple for knockout rounds. Opponents must now game-plan for three elite playmakers who dominate puck possession.
The line’s chemistry hints at deeper offensive layers. McDavid’s edge work sets up MacKinnon’s shot, while Celebrini crashes the net. Against Switzerland, they outshot foes decisively in key moments.
Gauging the win’s weight against medal contenders like Switzerland
Beating Switzerland carried extra significance given their pedigree. The Swiss finished second in back-to-back IIHF world championships and boast NHL talent like Kevin Fiala, Nino Niederreiter and Josi. Their 4-0 opener over France featured two goals from Timo Meier.
Canada’s first game, a 5-0 blanking of Czechia, impressed despite the opponent’s 10 NHLers including David Pastrnak. Czechia later rallied for a 6-3 win over France, underscoring group volatility. Switzerland stayed within two goals into the third, testing Canada’s resolve.
Logan Thompson stepped in for Jordan Binnington and stopped 24 of 25 shots, including a breakaway denial on Sidney Crosby. Pius Suter’s power-play rebound goal at 12:42 snapped Canada’s scoreless streak at 237:01 since 2014 Olympics. Canada responded swiftly, killing penalties and limiting high-danger chances.
The win validates Canada’s process against top competition. Switzerland’s late injury to Fiala—stretched off after tangling with Tom Wilson—didn’t alter the outcome but highlights physicality. Canada maintained separation through zone entries and forecheck.
This performance edges the Czechia shutout in context, as Switzerland poses greater podium threat. It signals readiness for tighter games ahead.
Depth shines through multiple contributors
Canada featured five different goal scorers for the second straight game, underscoring roster balance.
Scoring summary:
- Connor McDavid (1) at 5:45 (PP; assists: Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar)
- Thomas Harley (1) at 10:54 (assists: Connor McDavid, Tom Wilson)
- Pius Suter (1) at 12:42 (PP; assist: Sven Andrighetto)
- Macklin Celebrini (2) at 4:14 2nd period (assist: Nathan MacKinnon)
- Sidney Crosby (1) at 7:28 3rd period (assist: Mitch Marner)
- Nathan MacKinnon (1) at 13:03 3rd period (assists: Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini)
Mitch Marner added an assist after scoring versus Czechia, while 12 players have points through two games. Travis Sanheim filled in seamlessly for injured Josh Morrissey on defense.
Goaltending rotation worked, with Thompson’s .960 save percentage. Seth Jarvis subbed for Brad Marchand, maintaining forward continuity.
Such spread contributions prevent overreliance on stars, a hallmark of champions. Bench players like Wilson delivered hits and secondary chances.
Standout performer: Nathan MacKinnon earns player of the game honors
MacKinnon edged McDavid for top honors with a goal and two assists, elevating the top line. His pass to Celebrini exemplified vision, while his third-period tally sealed it.
McDavid’s three points included his first Olympic goal with NHLers back, reaching six points in two games—a historic mark. Yet MacKinnon’s shift to the top unit unlocked new dynamics.
MacKinnon’s two-way play shone, logging heavy minutes without defensive lapses. His playoff pedigree translates to Olympics pressure.
Lineup decisions loom for group finale against France
Saturday rest precedes the France clash, Canada’s group closer. Undefeated at 10-1 goal differential, they eye a perfect preliminary record.
Possible tweaks include resting stars or elevating Jarvis. France ranks lowest in the group behind host Italy, losing 4-0 to Switzerland and 6-3 to Czechia.
Injuries to Morrissey and Marchand prompt evaluations, though depth mitigates. Cooper may test pairings for playoffs.
This game offers calibration before medal rounds.
Team grade: A performance with gold potential
Canada earns an A for poise against a medal hopeful. Pulling away from a two-goal third-period deficit showcased grit.
Determination across zones neutralized Swiss stars. The top line’s birth, depth scoring and goaltending form a winning formula.
This could blueprint a golden run, blending talent and tactics.
As the tournament progresses, Canada’s early dominance positions them for deep playoff success. With stars peaking and role players delivering, the path to gold looks clear—watch for continued evolution against lesser foes like France.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.