Switzerland Makes a Statement in 4-0 Win Over France, Eyes Clash with Canada
Switzerland couldn’t have asked for a better start. Four goals, a shutout, and a tone-setting performance from their top players in a 4-0 win over France on Thursday. It wasn’t just a win - it was a reminder that this Swiss team is deeper, more experienced, and more confident than ever heading into a tough Olympic group stage.
Early Goals, Late Finish
The Swiss came out flying, striking twice in the first three minutes to put France on their heels before they could settle in. Damien Riat and J.J.
Moser each found the back of the net early, giving Switzerland a cushion that allowed them to dictate pace and style the rest of the way. Timo Meier, who’s been a force in the NHL for years, added two more in the third to seal it.
But Meier’s impact went beyond the scoresheet.
“Timo is all-around a great player,” said Nico Hischier, Switzerland’s captain and Meier’s teammate with the New Jersey Devils. “Not just the goals he scored.
The forecheck, the backcheck - he was everywhere. He’s all-in for the team.”
It’s performances like that - relentless, complete, and team-first - that make Switzerland a dangerous opponent, even against the tournament’s heavyweights.
Genoni Shuts the Door - Again
Leonardo Genoni might not be a household name in North America, but on the international stage, he’s been nothing short of elite. The 38-year-old stopped all 27 shots he faced against France, becoming the oldest player to record an Olympic shutout in the NHL participation era - breaking Mike Richter’s record from 2002.
Genoni’s résumé is already stacked: two-time Spengler Cup champion, three-time World Championship silver medalist, and MVP of the 2025 World Championships, where he posted a sparkling 0.99 GAA and .953 save percentage with four shutouts in seven games. That’s not just good - that’s game-stealing, medal-contending kind of good.
“He’s shown it for decades now at the international level,” said Moser. “He doesn’t get the credit he deserves just because he never played in the NHL. But he’s been one of the best goalies internationally over the last decade, for sure - and he showed that again today.”
If Switzerland decides to rest Genoni, they’ve got a solid backup plan in Akira Schmid. The Vegas Golden Knights netminder has weathered a turbulent season, stepping up while Adin Hill and Carter Hart dealt with injuries. Schmid’s 16-6-6 record and 2.53 GAA in 29 appearances this year show he’s more than capable of handling the pressure.
Bracing for Canada
Switzerland knows what’s coming. Canada is the gold medal favorite - and for good reason.
Since their upset loss to Switzerland in the 2006 Olympics, the Canadians have gone 14-2 in best-on-best international play. But the Swiss aren’t backing down.
“We want to poke the bear,” said Nino Niederreiter. “We know Canada is going to be the heavy favorites, but we know we don’t have to be scared.”
Niederreiter has been a staple for the national team for over a decade. His breakout moment came back in the 2010 World Juniors, where he helped Switzerland stun Russia en route to a semifinal appearance. That kind of big-game experience - along with his leadership as a former Olympic flag bearer - gives this team a steady hand when the lights get brighter.
Hischier echoed the sentiment: “We just have to go out there, compete, and believe. I trust these guys completely.
We’ve got a great group, and we know what to do. It’s just about performing.”
A Roster Built to Compete
This isn’t a Cinderella team relying on one hot goalie or a fluky bounce. Switzerland’s roster is loaded with NHL-caliber talent and international experience. Roman Josi, Kevin Fiala, Nino Niederreiter, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier - that’s a core that can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Projected top line? Fiala, Hischier, and Calvin Thurkauf.
That’s skill, speed, and two-way reliability. Behind them, you’ve got depth: Andrighetto and Malgin - both lighting it up with Zurich SC - are reunited on the second line, while the third line of Kurashev, Suter, and Meier brings scoring punch and physicality.
The blue line is anchored by Josi, one of the best defensemen in the world, and supported by Siegenthaler, Kukan, and Moser. It’s a group that can move the puck, defend in transition, and eat big minutes.
And let’s not forget the special teams. Switzerland went 1-for-5 on the power play and killed off all four penalties against France - a solid start, but they’ll need to tighten up further against Canada’s lethal attack.
International Track Record
Switzerland’s recent history shows a program on the rise. Back-to-back silver medals at the World Championships in 2024 and 2025, and a fifth-place finish the two years before that. The Olympic track record hasn’t been as strong - eighth in Beijing, 10th in PyeongChang - but this group feels different.
They’re deeper. They’re battle-tested. And they’re not afraid of the moment.
Projected Line Combinations
Forwards:
- Kevin Fiala - Nico Hischier - Calvin Thurkauf
- Sven Andrighetto - Denis Malgin - Nino Niederreiter
- Philipp Kurashev - Pius Suter - Timo Meier
- Damien Riat - Ken Jager - Christoph Bertschy
Defense:
- Roman Josi - Andrea Glauser
- Jonas Siegenthaler - Dean Kukan
- J.J.
Moser - Michael Fora
- Christian Marti - Sandro Schmid
Goaltenders:
- *Leonardo Genoni
- Akira Schmid
- Reto Berra*
(No starter announced yet)
Quick Notes:
- Andrighetto and Malgin have won back-to-back championships with Zurich SC.
- Thurkauf, a former seventh-round pick by Columbus, has NHL experience and plays a key role on the top line.
- Kurashev, now with San Jose, is just a season removed from a 54-point campaign with the Blackhawks.
- Meier’s two-goal performance marked the first multi-goal Olympic game by an active NHL player for Switzerland.
- Genoni’s shutout at 38 years old is the oldest by any goalie in Olympic play with NHL participation.
Looking Ahead
Switzerland’s win over France was a statement - not just in the scoreline, but in the way they played. Structured, physical, opportunistic, and confident.
The real test comes next, with Canada looming. But this isn’t a team hoping for a miracle.
It’s a team with the talent, experience, and belief to make some noise.
They’ve poked the bear before. Now we’ll see if they can do it again.