Team Canada came into the 2026 Winter Olympics with high expectations-and after a dominant 4-0 win over Switzerland to open the tournament, it’s clear those expectations are well-founded. This is a team that’s chasing its sixth Olympic gold in the last eight Games, and based on the early returns, they’ve brought the firepower to make that happen.
Let’s break down what we saw in Game 1, where Canada didn’t just beat Switzerland-they dissected them. The Canadians racked up 34 Grade A scoring chances to Switzerland’s four, including a staggering 19-2 edge in the most dangerous “five-alarm” chances. That’s not just control-that’s complete domination.
1. The Fillier Line Is Already in Midseason Form
Sarah Fillier was the engine of Canada’s attack. She was everywhere-creating seven Grade A chances at even strength and another six on the power play. She’s got that rare blend of speed, vision, and finish that makes her a constant threat whenever she’s on the ice.
Her linemates, Daryl Watts and Sarah Nurse, fit seamlessly alongside her. Watts brings elite skill and creativity, while Nurse adds strength, smarts, and two-way reliability. Together, they looked like Canada’s most dangerous trio, and if they keep this up, they’re going to be a nightmare for every team they face.
The third line of Blayre Turnbull, Emily Clark, and Emma Maltais also brought some punch at even strength, showing that Canada’s depth isn’t just on paper-it’s real. Veterans Brianne Jenner and Natalie Spooner chipped in with strong performances as well, giving the coaching staff plenty to work with moving forward.
2. The Poulin Line Needs a Spark
On the flip side, the top line featuring Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Julia Gosling didn’t quite click at 5-on-5. The chemistry just wasn’t there, and the coaching staff didn’t wait long to make changes. Poulin is still the heartbeat of this team-she was excellent on the power play-but finding the right linemates to maximize her impact at even strength will be key as the tournament progresses.
There’s also a question of how deep this forward group can really go. Against Switzerland, Canada’s bottom-six forwards struggled to generate much offensively.
In a high-stakes game against the U.S., Canada may need to shorten the bench and roll with three lines. That’s not ideal, but it may be necessary.
These players are used to logging big minutes with their club teams, so ice time shouldn’t be a concern-it’s more about maximizing production. If the U.S. rolls four lines effectively, Canada’s depth could be tested.
3. Power Play Looks Lethal
Both of Canada’s power play units found the back of the net, and both looked sharp. Poulin was the conductor on the top unit, winning draws and facilitating puck movement with her usual poise. She didn’t score at even strength, but she was instrumental in generating nine Grade A chances on the power play.
Spooner made her presence felt in front of the net, scoring once and screening the goalie on another goal. Her ability to create chaos in the crease is a huge asset, especially against disciplined defensive teams.
4. Defense Still a Work in Progress-but the Early Signs Are Good
It’s tough to fully evaluate Canada’s blue line after a game where the defense wasn’t pushed much, but the early signs are promising. Renata Fast and Claire Thompson stood out, particularly in transition and on the attack. Fast, in particular, looked like Canada’s best player outside of Fillier-smooth skating, smart reads, and confident puck movement.
The real test for the defense will come against faster, more physical teams like the U.S., but if Fast and Thompson can anchor the group, Canada should be in good shape.
Bottom Line: This was about as strong an opening statement as Canada could’ve made. The top line is buzzing, the power play is humming, and the defense is showing flashes of dominance. There are still some combinations to sort out-especially around Poulin-but the foundation is clearly there.
If this team keeps building, that sixth Olympic gold is well within reach.