Team Canada Dominates Czechia 5-0: Avalanche Stars Make Their Presence Felt in Olympic Opener
Team Canada opened its Olympic campaign with authority on Thursday, shutting out Team Czechia in a commanding 5-0 victory. The game featured a handful of Colorado Avalanche standouts-Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews suited up for Canada, while Martin Nečas represented Czechia. And while the scoreboard told the story of a blowout, there were still some intriguing takeaways for Avalanche fans tuning in from back home.
Let’s start with the obvious: Nathan MacKinnon showed up.
MacKinnon buried a goal and played with the kind of intensity that’s become his trademark. He was all over the ice, pushing the pace, bringing physicality, and creating separation with that explosive first step.
After the game, he admitted that the team felt some nerves heading into the opener-a reminder that even the world’s best feel the weight of the moment. But once the puck dropped, MacKinnon and Team Canada wasted no time taking control.
Cale Makar, as expected, made his impact felt in a quieter but no less effective way. He picked up an assist and looked smooth throughout, reading the play two steps ahead and making it look effortless.
Devon Toews didn’t register a point, but his steady presence on the back end was noticeable. No flash, just smart, mistake-free hockey-the kind of game Avalanche fans have come to expect from him.
There was a moment where MacKinnon appeared to have a second goal, but it was waved off due to a penalty. Still, the message was clear: Canada’s top players are locked in, and they’re not easing into this tournament-they’re attacking it head-on.
Next Up: Switzerland Brings Firepower
Canada now shifts its focus to Switzerland, who come into Friday’s matchup fresh off a 4-0 win over France. Timo Meier led the way with two goals, while Janis Moser and Damien Riat added one each. Former Avalanche forward Sven Andrighetto led all players in that game with seven shots on goal, showing he still knows how to find space and let it rip.
This won’t be a walkover. Switzerland has skill, structure, and a few guys who can change a game if given time and space. But if Canada plays the way it did against Czechia-with speed, structure, and relentless puck pressure-they’ll be tough to beat.
Avalanche Duo Looks to Keep Building Chemistry
One of the storylines worth watching is the continued pairing of Makar and Toews on the Team Canada blue line. These two know each other’s tendencies inside and out, and their chemistry is a major asset for Canada. Toews, known more for his defensive reliability than flashy plays, recently joked that if he had to describe his game in three words, it would be: “Pass to Cale.”
That’s classic Toews-understated, self-aware, and team-first. But don’t let the humor fool you.
He’s a cerebral player who excels at transitioning the puck, making smart reads, and limiting mistakes. And when he’s paired with someone like Makar, who can turn a breakout pass into a highlight reel in seconds, that combination becomes lethal.
MacKinnon’s Role: Second Line, First-Class Impact
MacKinnon may be slotted on Canada’s second line behind Sidney Crosby, but make no mistake-he’s a game-breaker. His speed through the neutral zone is something else entirely, and when he’s on, defenders are left chasing shadows. He doesn’t need a ton of space to make something happen, and in a tournament like this, where every shift matters, that kind of explosiveness is a weapon.
If you caught Canada’s opener, you saw it firsthand. If you didn’t-just imagine MacKinnon at full speed, three times over.
That’s the kind of depth this Canadian roster is working with. Top to bottom, they’re stacked.
Looking Ahead
The Olympic tournament has already delivered its share of highlight-reel moments and high-intensity matchups, and it’s only just getting started. For Avalanche fans, there’s plenty to be excited about.
MacKinnon is playing like a man on a mission. Makar is doing Makar things-controlling the game with poise and precision.
Toews is quietly anchoring the blue line. And with more big games on the horizon, the stage is set for these three to keep elevating their play.
Canada’s next test comes against a confident Swiss squad. Expect the tempo to ramp up, the stakes to rise, and the Avalanche trio to be right in the thick of it.
And once the Olympic dust settles, it’ll be time to shift gears back to NHL action. But for now, the spotlight is on the international stage-and Colorado’s stars are shining bright.