Canada's hockey dominance at the Milan Cortina Olympics continues to captivate fans worldwide, but here's where it gets even more thrilling: Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby are leading the charge, proving once again why they're considered among the sport's all-time greats. In a commanding 5-1 victory over Switzerland on Friday, McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon each contributed a goal and two assists, showcasing their unparalleled skill and teamwork. This win keeps Canada undefeated (2-0-0-0) and firmly atop Group A, following their earlier 5-0 shutout of Czechia—a game that marked the return of NHL players to the Olympics since 2014.
And this is the part most people miss: the strategic depth of Canada's roster is just as impressive as their star power. Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player in the tournament, added a goal and an assist, while Thomas Harley also found the net. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 24 saves, solidifying Canada's defensive prowess. For Switzerland (1-0-1-0), Pius Suter scored the lone goal, with Akira Schmid making 34 stops in a valiant effort.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Canada's dominance a testament to their talent, or does it highlight a lack of competition in the early stages of the tournament? The Swiss fans, vocal and passionate, certainly didn't hold back, whistling and booing the Canadians as they took the ice—a reminder that not everyone is cheering for the favorites. Meanwhile, McDavid's physicality, including a bone-crushing hit on Andrea Glauser, sparked both admiration and debate among viewers.
Looking ahead, Canada faces France on Sunday to conclude the preliminary round. The French, however, are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Czechs (1-0-1-0), who seem determined to bounce back. Head coach Jon Cooper has strategically rotated his goaltenders, with Jordan Binnington and Darcy Kuemper sharing duties alongside Thompson. Notably, defenseman Josh Morrissey sat out against Switzerland due to injury, with Travis Sanheim stepping in seamlessly.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With the NHL back on the Olympic stage after a 12-year absence, is this the start of a new era in international hockey, or will the league's participation remain inconsistent? The return of the world's best players has undoubtedly elevated the tournament, but concerns like injuries—such as Kevin Fiala's apparent leg injury late in the game—and scheduling conflicts linger. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
As Canada continues to cruise, the newly formed line of McDavid, MacKinnon, and Celebrini—a trio that’s combined for 270 points this season—is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with. Will they lead Canada to gold, or will another team rise to the challenge? Only time will tell. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2026. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press.
