McDavid Dazzles in Olympic Debut, Sparks Canada’s 5-0 Statement Win Over Czechia
Connor McDavid didn’t just show up for his first Olympic game-he took over.
In his long-awaited Olympic debut, McDavid delivered a three-assist performance that helped power Team Canada to a commanding 5-0 victory over Czechia in Milano Cortina. From the opening faceoff, the Edmonton Oilers captain looked like a man on a mission, putting his signature speed and elite vision on full display in a game that felt more like a statement than a warm-up.
McDavid’s fingerprints were all over this one. His first assist came with just 5.7 seconds left in the opening period, as he set up 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini for a buzzer-beating tip-in off a Cale Makar shot. It was the kind of play that showed off the chemistry already forming between Canada’s top-end talent-and the kind of moment that can ignite a tournament run.
Then came the third period, and McDavid turned up the heat. On a power play early in the frame, he delivered a no-look saucer pass across the crease to Nathan MacKinnon, who buried it to make it 4-0. The Czech bench could only shake their heads-because how exactly do you defend a power play with McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar moving the puck with that kind of pace and precision?
McDavid wasn’t done. Midway through the third, he added a third helper, finding Nick Suzuki in tight for a redirect that pushed the lead to 5-0. It wasn’t the cleanest finish-Suzuki looked like he was trying to corral the puck rather than tip it-but the puck found twine, and McDavid had his third point of the night.
Elite Company, Olympic Stage
With that trio of assists, McDavid joined rare air. He’s now just the third Canadian to register three assists in a single Olympic game during the NHL participation era, joining Sidney Crosby (2010) and Patrick Marleau (2014). Not bad company for the guy who’s been the face of the NHL for nearly a decade-and who’s finally getting his shot on the Olympic stage after NHL players missed the last two Games.
McDavid’s postgame comments were as measured as his play was electric: “We have great players all over. Great all-around effort.
A big win, first and foremost.” But make no mistake-this was his night, and his arrival on Olympic ice was nothing short of emphatic.
Celebrini Makes History, Binnington Locks It Down
While McDavid was the engine, Celebrini’s debut deserves its own spotlight. The 19-year-old Sharks forward became the first teenager to suit up for Canada in an Olympic tournament with NHL players, and he made it count. His first-period goal, assisted by McDavid and Makar, was a moment to remember-and a sign that Canada’s next wave is already here.
In net, Jordan Binnington was steady and composed, turning aside all 26 shots he faced for his first Olympic shutout. While he wasn’t tested often, he was sharp when needed, especially in the second period when Czechia briefly pushed back. Binnington, who helped Canada to gold at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, continues to prove he’s built for the big moments.
“Big moment guy, that’s the biggest compliment you can have,” McDavid said of his goalie’s performance.
Whether head coach Jon Cooper goes back to Binnington for Sunday’s game against Switzerland remains to be seen-Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper are both waiting in the wings-but the early returns suggest Canada’s crease is in good hands.
Depth on Display, Gold in Sight
Mark Stone and Bo Horvat also found the back of the net for Canada, further highlighting the team’s depth. From top to bottom, this Canadian roster is loaded-not just with skill, but with players who know how to win. And with McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, and Makar leading the charge, the bar is set high.
This was more than just a win-it was a warning shot. Canada came out organized, explosive, and unrelenting. And with McDavid finally on the Olympic stage, they’ve got a game-breaker who can tilt the ice every time he steps on it.
Next up: Switzerland on February 13. If this opener was any indication, Team Canada is just getting started.