Team Canada’s men’s hockey team sent a message on Sunday - and it was loud and clear. With a commanding 10-2 win over France, Canada not only wrapped up an undefeated group stage but also secured the top seed heading into the Olympic quarterfinals.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. Canada rolled through the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, outscoring France, Switzerland, and Czechia by a combined margin of 20-3. That’s the kind of dominance that turns heads and puts the rest of the field on notice.
Connor McDavid, making his Olympic debut, has been every bit the generational talent fans hoped to see on the world stage. He leads the tournament with nine points through three games, showcasing the speed, vision, and playmaking that’s made him the face of Canadian hockey.
And as if that wasn’t enough firepower, Sidney Crosby continues to add to his legacy. With his latest performance, he passed Jarome Iginla for the most Olympic points by a Canadian NHL player - a testament to his longevity and big-game brilliance.
Then there’s Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old phenom who etched his name into Olympic history by becoming the youngest player ever to score on a penalty shot. It’s a moment that not only highlights his poise under pressure but also signals the next wave of Canadian talent is already making noise.
With the group stage behind them, Canada now shifts its focus to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face the winner of Czechia vs. Denmark.
Canada already handled Czechia convincingly in group play, but the knockout rounds are a different animal. Every shift, every mistake, every bounce matters.
Czechia enters the qualification round after a mixed group stage - a loss to Canada, an overtime defeat to Switzerland, and a win over France. Denmark, meanwhile, finished third in Group C, picking up a win over Latvia but falling to both the U.S. and Germany.
USA Finishes Group Stage Strong, But Falls Just Short of Top Seed
Team USA did what it needed to do - mostly. The Americans swept their group with a 3-0 record, but a 5-1 win over Germany in their final game wasn’t quite enough to catch Canada in the overall standings. Thanks to goal differential, the U.S. takes the No. 2 seed heading into the quarterfinals.
Still, there’s plenty to like about how this team is playing. Auston Matthews has been a force, leading the way with three goals and five points in three games. Matthew Tkachuk has been the engine on the wing, racking up five assists, while Quinn Hughes is quietly putting together a strong tournament from the blue line with four points.
And in net, Connor Hellebuyck has been rock solid. In two starts, he’s turned aside 40 of 42 shots, good for a .952 save percentage. That kind of goaltending is exactly what the U.S. will need as the games get tighter and the stakes get higher.
The Americans will face the winner of Sweden vs. Latvia in the quarterfinals. Germany, meanwhile, drops into a matchup with France, with the winner earning a date with Slovakia.
Group B Delivers Drama, and Slovakia Comes Out on Top
If Group A was about dominance and Group C about depth, Group B brought the drama. Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden all finished with matching 2-0-1 records, creating a three-way tie that had to be broken by goal differential in games played between the tied teams.
Slovakia’s narrow edge came down to a late goal in their loss to Sweden - a small moment with big implications, as it gave them just enough to claim the top spot in the group. That goal didn’t just change the standings - it changed the bracket.
Finland, meanwhile, still walks away with a bye into the quarterfinals as the best second-place team. They’ll take on the winner of Switzerland vs.
Italy. Sweden, despite a strong showing, heads to the qualification round for a battle with Latvia.
Women’s Hockey: Canada Eyes Redemption, USA Looks Unstoppable
On the women’s side, all eyes are on a potential rematch that’s shaping up to be must-see hockey. The United States stunned Canada with a 5-0 win during group play - a result that’s still echoing around the tournament.
The Americans have looked every bit the powerhouse, finishing group play with a 4-0 record and a jaw-dropping 20-1 goal differential. They’ve been fast, physical, and ruthlessly efficient - exactly what you want from a team chasing gold.
Canada, the defending Olympic champions, will have their shot at redemption - but first, both teams need to take care of business in the semifinals. Canada faces Switzerland, while the U.S. draws Sweden. If both advance, we’ll get the gold-medal showdown the hockey world has been waiting for - and this time, there’s some serious edge to it.
The stage is set. The quarterfinals are coming. And if the early rounds are any indication, we’re in for some electric hockey.