Team Canada after their 5-0 against Czechia (Via Getty Images)
Canada left no doubt about its gold medal credentials on Thursday. Jon Cooper’s squad dismantled Czechia 5-0 in its opening game of the 2026 Winter Olympics, with contributions across all four lines, showcasing depth and skill at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.The tone was set before the first intermission when Macklin Celebrini tipped a Cale Makar blast from the blue line past Lukas Dostal with just 5.7 seconds remaining in the period. At 19 years old, Celebrini became the youngest Canadian NHLer ever to score a goal at the Olympics. But that was just the start for the side.
Team Canada again proved why they remain the favorites to win gold
Canada entered the tournament with a chip on its shoulder, and Celebrini made sure they lived up to the stakes.
While the Czechs controlled the game in the first period, the Sharks’ youngster ensured his side had the lead by the end of the period.Meanwhile, Connor McDavid finished with three assists and a game-high six shots on goal, recording the first Olympic points of his career. Captain Sidney Crosby added two assists as he closed the gap between himself and Jarome Iginla for the most points by a Canadian at the Olympics.Thomas Harley led all skaters with 20 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time and chipped in two helpers of his own.
After a competitive opening 20 minutes where shots were tied 11-11, Canada seized control in the second period. Mitch Marner made a spectacular individual play along the left wall, driving to the net and sliding a pass across the crease while falling over a sprawled David Spacek. Mark Stone was waiting at the far post for the easy tap-in to make it 2-0.Bo Horvat put the game out of reach minutes later, taking a feed from Brad Marchand at full speed through the neutral zone before going in alone and beating Dostal through the five-hole.
Canada outshot Czechia 36-26 and won 55 percent of faceoffs in the lopsided victory.The third period belonged to Canada’s stars. Nathan MacKinnon scored on the power play just 13 seconds after Dominik Kubalik was called for interference, finishing off a sequence that moved from Makar to Crosby to McDavid before reaching his stick. Nick Suzuki capped the scoring by redirecting a McDavid pass from point-blank range to complete the rout.
The lone concern for Canada was defenseman Josh Morrissey, who left early in the second period and did not return. Shea Theodore slid into his spot alongside Colton Parayko. No injury replacement can be added now that the tournament has started. Canada faces Switzerland on Friday in its second Group A matchup, looking to build on a goal differential advantage that could prove critical for seeding in the elimination round.
