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Kristen Shilton
Several Contributors
After playing three matches in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey competition, the Canadian squad has encountered minimal cause for concern.
Following a decisive 10-2 victory against a significantly outmatched French team on Sunday, the Canadians boast an unblemished 3-0-0-0 record, positioning them favorably for a likely top seed in the elimination stages, aided by an impressive plus-17 goal differential.
A remarkable total of nine players found the net for Canada during this encounter: Tom Wilson, Devon Toews, Mark Stone, Cale Makar, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Bo Horvat, Brandon Hagel, along with a pair of goals from the rapidly ascending 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini.
Insights gleaned from this concluding preliminary-round fixture for Canada include the most significant observations, a comprehensive team assessment, the standout individual performer of the match, and a crucial query preceding their subsequent game.
Observation 1: Connor McDavid’s formidable presence
The premier center for the Canadian team posed a constant menace across the rink against France, accumulating a pair of assists early in the contest, elevating him to a tournament-leading total of eight points. This tally equaled Jonathan Toews’ record for the most points ever recorded in a single Olympic event — a feat McDavid accomplished in merely three games.
His impact didn’t cease there, either. While it was widely foreseen that McDavid would spearhead Canada’s offensive efforts, he is now exceeding even the most ambitious projections placed upon him. On Sunday, McDavid consistently generated odd-man rush opportunities for Canada, frequently evading France’s defensive coverage and putting pressure on goaltender Julian Junca.
The captain of the Edmonton Oilers had several chances to score, but it wasn’t until the early stages of the third period that McDavid found the back of the net, reaching nine points in nine periods (comprising two goals, seven assists, and 13 shots on goal) to surpass Toews and claim the exclusive Olympic record.
Few accolades remain to adequately characterize McDavid’s caliber as a player; nonetheless, he approaches every game as if it were the decisive Game 7 of a Stanley Cup Final, driven by an unwavering resolve to emerge victorious in each one.
Observation 2: Jordan Binnington’s performance declined
The Canadian netminder deservedly received praise for his outstanding shutout in the tournament’s opening game against Czechia. However, Binnington’s display against France was considerably less stellar.
He conceded his initial Olympic goal mere moments after Canada established a first-period advantage — a messy rebound by Binnington directly into the scoring area permitted Florian Duray to immediately counter Tom Wilson’s initial strike.
Canada and France combine for THREE goals in one minute in a wild start at Milano Santagiulia Arena. 👀 pic.twitter.com/zwerijrLSj
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 15, 2026
Admittedly, it became challenging for Binnington to establish a rhythm thereafter, given Canada’s pervasive control and France’s limited time in the offensive zone. Nevertheless, whenever Binnington was tested, he exhibited little assurance.
Immediately following McDavid’s expansion of Canada’s lead to 7-1 in the final period, Binnington again permitted a swift answering goal — this time from Sacha Treille — which slipped beneath his arm. This allowed the French to score two goals on only eight shots. It presented a poor image for Binnington, particularly in light of Canada’s exceptional efforts supporting him.
Therefore, which showing truly reflects Binnington’s capabilities? Perhaps only he possesses the definitive answer.
Observation 3: Canada’s comprehensive capabilities
It is simple to focus on Canada’s adversary from Sunday and conclude that the significantly uneven result was foreseeable. However, the true story extends beyond the final tally; it resides in the manner in which the Canadians accomplished it.
Canada benefited from scoring contributions by both forwards and defensemen, in even-strength play, while short-handed, and even via a penalty shot from Celebrini, who continues to shine brightly in his inaugural Olympic appearance.
Even the involvement of Wilson, who achieved the Olympic Gordie Howe hat trick after engaging in a skirmish following France’s Pierre Crinon delivering a high hit to Nathan MacKinnon late in the game, demonstrated the diverse strengths of Canada’s lineup.
Nevertheless, there remains potential for refinement. MacKinnon — who previously played on a line with McDavid and Celebrini when facing Switzerland — has not demonstrated comparable chemistry with Nick Suzuki on his wing. This might prompt coach Jon Cooper to adjust the lineup by shifting Suzuki further down and placing Brad Marchand on the second line alongside MacKinnon. While Canada has certainly not struggled to score goals during this competition, they will aspire to be perfectly honed for the quarter-finals.
Top Performer of the Match: Mark Stone, Left Wing
Stone’s contributions often go underestimated. It’s accurate that the seasoned forward will never be recognized for his blistering pace on skates. However, his performance has been stellar in nearly every facet throughout Canada’s Olympic journey thus far, and he was particularly outstanding in Sunday’s victory over France.
His impact isn’t limited to delivering pivotal, momentum-shifting plays, such as his short-handed goal scored in the closing moments of the first period to give Canada a 3-1 advantage. Rather, it is the myriad subtle elements of Stone’s play that distinguish him. He demonstrates exceptional hockey intelligence with the puck, consistently positions himself effectively as a linemate, and possesses unparalleled intuition (his assist on Crosby’s goal late in the second period serves as a prime illustration).
Stone exhibits a chameleon-like adaptability, seamlessly transitioning into any role Canada requires him to fulfill, making it appear effortless. He embodies the quintessential teammate and merits recognition amidst the attention typically monopolized by Canada’s prominent stars.
Crucial Query for the Upcoming Round: Who will Canada’s starting goaltender be?
Initially, it appeared Binnington was poised to be the Canadians’ primary choice in goal following his pristine shutout against Czechia to commence the competition.
However, Logan Thompson also delivered an excellent performance facing a formidable Swiss team, and Binnington’s less assured display on Sunday now raises doubts regarding whom Coach Cooper can confidently rely on as the elimination phase commences.
Cooper has consistently championed Binnington, despite the goaltender’s difficulties in St. Louis this current season, and it was indeed Binnington who guided Canada to a gold medal in the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.
Nevertheless, Cooper cannot allow sentiment to influence his coaching decisions. This presents a distinct challenge; the stakes are elevated. Considering Canada’s opponent for the next round is not yet determined, there is no immediate imperative for Cooper to announce his starting netminder at this juncture. Yet, it has become a more complex choice than it appeared before Sunday’s match, when Binnington seemed to be the undisputed option. Thompson could potentially be the superior alternative.
Team Performance Assessment: Excellent
Despite the goals conceded by Binnington, this contest represented a thorough dismantling by the Canadians, which is expected to cement their top seeding for the elimination rounds, bolstered by a superb plus-17 goal differential.
Across their initial three matches, they have demonstrated precisely what was anticipated: Canada is characterized by speed and flair, an offensive juggernaut complemented by superior defensive practices. Furthermore, they possess an unparalleled wealth of talent readily available.
The numerous ways in which the Canadians can exploit their adversaries are almost exhaustive. While more challenging contests lie ahead than the one observed on Sunday, Canada possesses the capability to implement a sophisticated team strategy against any rival.
