Canada Flexes Firepower, Depth in Statement Win Over Switzerland
From the opening faceoff, this one had the feel of a heavyweight tilt. Less than a minute in, Shea Theodore lofted a shot that clanged off the underside of the crossbar and dropped straight down-close, but no goal.
Switzerland immediately turned defense into offense with a three-on-one rush, forcing Logan Thompson into a full-extension snow-angel save. Just like that, the tone was set: two undefeated teams, both yet to allow a goal in the tournament, trading haymakers early.
Canada struck first on the power play five minutes in. Nathan MacKinnon threaded a pass through a tight seam of three Swiss defenders, finding Connor McDavid in stride. McDavid did what he does best-found space where there shouldn’t have been any-and slipped the puck through Akira Schmid’s pads to make it 1-0.
Moments later, Sidney Crosby nearly doubled the lead on a breakaway. He waited out Schmid, pulling him wide before aiming high. But Schmid pulled off a jaw-dropping scorpion-kick save, keeping Switzerland within striking distance and reminding everyone why he's been one of the tournament’s standout netminders.
McDavid was back in the mix on Canada’s second goal. After Tom Wilson chipped the puck back to him on the rush, McDavid sent a cross-ice pass to Thomas Harley, who buried it past a sliding Schmid. It was a textbook example of Canada’s speed and puck movement creating chaos-and goals.
Switzerland answered quickly. Right off the ensuing center-ice faceoff, Bo Horvat was whistled for high-sticking.
On the power play, Pius Suter cleaned up a rebound off the crossbar, trimming the deficit to 2-1. It was a much-needed response from a Swiss team that refused to go quietly.
The rest of the first period was marked by physical play and tight checking, but no more scoring. Canada took a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
Switzerland opened the second with another power play after Theodore tripped Nino Niederreiter on a dump-in. They generated a few looks, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Then came a pivotal coaching decision-Jon Cooper loaded up a top line with MacKinnon, McDavid, and the rising star Macklin Celebrini. That trio wasted no time.
MacKinnon set up Celebrini for his second goal of the tournament, pushing Canada’s lead to 3-1 and showcasing the kind of elite depth most teams can only dream of.
Canada earned another power play after Michael Fora caught Mark Stone with a high stick, but Switzerland’s penalty kill stood tall, limiting any real danger.
Tensions flared midway through the period when Sam Bennett charged toward Swiss captain Nico Hischier, looking to land a big hit. He missed the body but clipped Hischier in the face with his stick. The non-call didn’t sit well with the Swiss fans, who responded with a chorus of boos-and a few airborne beverages.
Canada got another man advantage when Niederreiter elbowed Travis Sanheim off a faceoff. Celebrini rang a one-timer off the post, but once again, Switzerland’s penalty kill bent without breaking.
Early in the third, Schmid kept his team alive with a breakaway stop on Seth Jarvis. Niederreiter nearly brought the Swiss within one, but he too was denied by the iron-just the latest in a string of near-misses for Switzerland.
Then came the dagger. Mitch Marner sent a pass through Roman Josi’s legs to Crosby, who was parked in front of the net. The Canadian captain calmly redirected it in for the 4-1 lead.
Celebrini was back in the spotlight shortly after, though not in the way he intended. Attempting a hit in the offensive zone, he tripped J.J.
Moser and headed to the box. But Logan Thompson stood tall on the penalty kill, making three sharp saves to preserve the cushion.
Once Celebrini was out of the box, Canada’s speed line went right back to work. All three forwards touched the puck on a rush that ended with MacKinnon cleaning up a rebound for the 5-1 goal. It was a clinic in transition hockey-speed, structure, and finish.
The game ended on a somber note. Kevin Fiala suffered a serious leg injury after colliding with Tom Wilson along the boards. He was stretchered off the ice, with stick taps from both teams in a show of respect.
With the win, Canada locked up top spot in Group A, thanks to head-to-head tiebreakers over both Switzerland and Czechia. Those two will square off Sunday to decide who finishes second in the group. Canada, meanwhile, will face France in its final group-stage game, still eyeing the top overall seed as the knockout rounds approach.
This was more than just a win-it was a statement. Canada’s stars showed up, their depth delivered, and their goaltending held firm. If this is how they’re clicking now, the rest of the tournament better take notice.