Canada Dominates France 10-2, Eyes Top Seed as Quarterfinals Loom
Team Canada made a statement - and then some - with a commanding 10-2 win over France, keeping their foot firmly on the gas as they head into the knockout stage of the Olympic tournament. The offensive outburst not only secured a win but gave Canada a significant edge in the race for the top seed, putting pressure squarely on Team USA ahead of their matchup against Germany.
Let’s break down how Canada overwhelmed the French - and what it means moving forward.
A Fast Start, A Quick Response… Then Total Control
Canada wasted no time getting on the board. Just minutes into the opening frame, Connor McDavid worked the puck around the boards to Tom Wilson, who used his frame to shield off a defender and set up Drew Doughty at the point. The veteran blueliner unleashed a heavy slapshot, and Wilson was right there to clean up the rebound - 1-0 Canada.
But the celebration didn’t last long.
A miscue from Colton Parayko deep in the defensive zone gave France a golden opportunity. The Blues defenseman tried to force a pass up the middle instead of playing it safe along the boards. Floran Douay intercepted, dished to Justin Addamo, who then found Douay again after a rebound off Jordan Binnington’s pads - all tied up just 13 seconds after Canada’s opener.
It was a tough moment for Parayko, who was caught in no-man’s land defensively after the turnover. But Canada didn’t let the mistake linger. Less than 40 seconds later, they were back on top.
Sidney Crosby led a two-on-one rush through the neutral zone with Mark Stone. Selling the pass all the way, Crosby froze the defense before dishing to a trailing Devon Toews, who buried it past French netminder Julian Junca. It was a classic Crosby setup - deceptive, patient, and perfectly timed.
Before the first period ended, Canada struck again - this time shorthanded. Mitch Marner and Stone pressured the puck in the neutral zone, forced a turnover, and sprung Stone on a breakaway.
Though a French defender nearly caught him, Stone protected the puck, shifted to the backhand, and lifted it over Junca. Canada headed into the intermission up 3-1 - and the floodgates were just beginning to open.
Second Period: Canada Blows It Wide Open
The middle frame was all Canada.
Cale Makar got things started with his first Olympic goal, ripping one home on the power play. Moments later, 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini was hauled down on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. Cool as ever, the teenager converted - 5-1 Canada.
Then came a bizarre one. Crosby attempted a pass that deflected off a French stick and into the net. Not how he drew it up, but they all count the same.
The third period opened with a bang - 20 seconds in, McDavid took a slick feed from Celebrini and danced around Antoine Keller, who had come in to relieve Junca. McDavid’s finish made it 7-1.
France briefly stopped the bleeding when Sacha Treille beat Binnington clean down the wing. But it was only a speed bump in Canada’s offensive onslaught.
Bo Horvat cleaned up a rebound from a sharp angle. Then, Nathan MacKinnon - who’d been quiet at even strength - finally got on the board, finishing off a rush with Brandon Hagel. That made it 9-2.
Frustration Boils Over, Celebrini Shines Again
With the game well out of reach, France’s frustration started to show.
Behind the net, Pierre Crinon caught MacKinnon in the face with a forearm - a dangerous play that had the Canadian star visibly upset. The play resulted in a power play, and Canada didn’t waste it. Celebrini, already with one goal on the night, struck again - this time off a feed from Stone and Marner.
That capped off the scoring at 10-2, but the physicality didn’t end there. Seth Jarvis took a high hit that bloodied his mouth, and Tom Wilson responded the way Tom Wilson does - dropping the gloves with Crinon in a spirited tilt.
According to reports, neither Wilson nor Crinon will face suspension for the fight, meaning both will be available for their next games.
What’s Next: Waiting on USA vs. Germany
With the win, Canada sits atop the standings - for now. Their goal differential advantage over Team USA is now 10, giving them a comfortable lead.
But the Americans still have a shot at stealing the top seed. The math is tight: they’d need to beat Germany in regulation, score at least 10 goals, and win by a 10-goal margin.
That would tie them with Canada in points and goal differential, but give them the edge in total goals scored.
It’s a tall order, but not impossible. Until then, Canada will enjoy an extra day of rest before returning to the ice for the Quarterfinals on Tuesday. If they lock down the top seed, they’ll face the winner of the 8/9 play-in game.
For now, though, Canada’s message is clear: they’re firing on all cylinders - and ready for anyone.