Team Canada Opens Olympic Run with Dominant 5-0 Win Over Czechia, McDavid Shines Brightest
Canada couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Olympic campaign. In a game where they controlled the pace, the puck, and the scoreboard, the Canadians rolled past Czechia with a commanding 5-0 victory. And while the offense was humming, it was the all-around execution - from the crease to the top line - that sent a clear message: this team came to play.
Let’s break it down.
McDavid Sets the Tone, and Then Some
Connor McDavid didn’t just show up - he took over. From his first shift, he was everywhere: delivering a heavy hit that sparked a scoring chance for Macklin Celebrini, drawing Canada’s first power play, and nearly converting on a sharp-angle opportunity. His chemistry with Sidney Crosby and the rest of the top unit was on full display, especially during the man advantage.
McDavid picked up a slick secondary assist on the opening goal, then went full highlight reel in the second and third. A filthy cross-ice feed to Nathan MacKinnon on the power play made it 4-0, and he threaded another perfect pass to Nick Suzuki for the fifth.
He logged a team-high 18:04 among forwards, generated a staggering 14 scoring chances, and finished +2. Simply put, he was the best player on the ice.
Binnington Answers the Bell in Net
There were questions heading into the tournament about Jordan Binnington’s form, but he silenced any doubters with a rock-solid 26-save shutout. He was sharp early, kicking out the pad to deny Martin Necas on what was likely Czechia’s best look in the opening frame. He stayed composed through a few chaotic sequences, controlling rebounds and managing the puck with confidence.
From a quick glove on a Tomas Hertl blast to calmly covering loose pucks in traffic, Binnington looked locked in from the drop of the puck. It was the kind of poised, veteran performance Canada needed to kick off the tournament.
Celebrini Scores in Olympic Debut
Macklin Celebrini, the teenager many have pegged as a future NHL star, wasted no time making his mark. With just 5.7 seconds left in the first period, he got a perfect high tip on a Cale Makar wrister to open the scoring for Canada - a poised, skilled finish that belied his age.
He nearly added another early in the second off a slick McDavid backhand and skated 17:14 in his Olympic debut. It was an impressive first showing on the international stage.
Wilson Brings the Edge, MacKinnon Brings the Firepower
Tom Wilson did what Tom Wilson does - brought physicality and presence. A heavy hit in the first, a strong cycle shift, and a booming drive off a McDavid feed late in the second made him a factor throughout.
Nathan MacKinnon, meanwhile, brought the speed and finish. After a big reverse hit in the opening frame and a hard drive to the net early in the third, he capped off a dominant shift with a one-time blast from a McDavid setup to make it 4-0. Physical, fast, and dangerous - MacKinnon was everything Canada needed him to be.
Blue Line Backbone: Makar and Toews Steady the Ship
Cale Makar was Canada’s best defenseman, full stop. He was active on both ends - blocking shots on the penalty kill, denying chances in front, and jumping into the rush when the moment called for it. His low wrister found Celebrini’s stick for the game’s opening goal, and he nearly added another in the third with a dart in from the point.
Devon Toews, his usual partner, was quietly excellent as well. He shut down a potential odd-man rush with a burst of speed in the second, logged a team-high 19:08 among defensemen, and finished +2. Together, they looked every bit the elite pairing Canada will rely on as the tournament progresses.
What’s Next for Canada
It’s only Game 1, but this was the kind of performance that sets a tone. Canada didn’t just win - they dominated in all three zones. They had more dangerous chances, better puck movement, and a level of chemistry that’s tough to build in short tournaments.
If McDavid keeps playing like this - and if Binnington stays sharp - this team is going to be a problem for anyone standing in their way.