Team Canada Opens Olympic Campaign with Statement Win Over Switzerland
Team Canada came into Milano-Cortina with expectations as high as the surrounding Alps-and their opening game against Switzerland showed why. In a dominant 4-0 win, Canada didn’t just control the scoreboard-they controlled the ice, the tempo, and just about every meaningful stat that matters in tournament hockey.
Let’s break it down.
A Top Line That’s Already in Mid-Tournament Form
Canada’s top trio of Sarah Fillier, Daryl Watts, and Sarah Nurse came out flying. This line isn’t just talented-they’re dynamic, fast, and, most importantly, in sync.
Fillier was the engine, driving play with precision and creativity. She played like a star who knows this could be her tournament, generating seven Grade A chances at even strength and another six on the power play.
That’s the kind of impact that tilts the ice.
Watts brought her high-end skill to the wing, while Nurse balanced the line with her strong two-way presence. This group consistently sliced through the Swiss defense, creating 34 Grade A chances overall-compared to just four for Switzerland. That’s not just dominance; that’s a message to the rest of the field.
Some Line Chemistry Still Needs Work
Not everything was clicking, though. The line of Laura Stacey, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Julia Gosling didn’t quite find their rhythm at 5-on-5.
Poulin, the heartbeat of this Canadian team and a proven big-game performer, didn’t get much going at even strength. The coaching staff responded quickly, shuffling the lines mid-game-a sign that they’re not afraid to make adjustments early.
To get the most out of Poulin, Canada needs to find linemates who can read and react with her on the fly. She’s a cerebral player with elite instincts, and when she’s surrounded by the right pieces, she can take over a game. That wasn’t the case in this one, but there’s time to get it right.
Depth Up Front Still a Question Mark
While the top line and select veterans brought the heat, Canada’s bottom six didn’t generate much offensively. Against Switzerland, it wasn’t a major issue-but come crunch time against the U.S., it could be. The Americans have the depth to roll four lines, and if Canada can’t match that, it might force the coaching staff to lean heavily on their top nine.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Players like Blayre Turnbull, Emily Clark, and Emma Maltais showed flashes of impact at even strength, and veterans Brianne Jenner and Natalie Spooner still have plenty of gas in the tank. But the margin for error in this tournament is razor-thin, and Canada’s depth forwards will need to find another gear.
Power Play Packs a Punch
If there’s one area where Canada looked downright scary, it was the power play. Both units found the back of the net and looked dangerous every time they touched the puck. Poulin, even without an even-strength point, was a force on the top unit-winning faceoffs, directing traffic, and helping generate nine Grade A chances on the advantage.
Spooner, meanwhile, was a nightmare in front of the net. She scored once and created another goal by setting a perfect screen. That kind of net-front presence is invaluable in tight games, especially when the power play can be the difference between gold and silver.
Blue Line Still Untested, But Showing Promise
Defensively, Canada wasn’t pushed much by Switzerland, so it’s tough to make sweeping judgments. But what we did see was encouraging.
Renata Fast and Claire Thompson were active in transition and dangerous in the offensive zone. Fast, in particular, looked like Canada’s most impactful skater not named Fillier.
Her skating, puck movement, and decision-making were all top-tier.
There’s more to learn about this defensive group, especially once they face higher-powered offenses. But the early signs are positive.
The Takeaway
It’s just one game, but Canada’s 4-0 win over Switzerland was more than a box score beatdown-it was a tone-setter. The top line is rolling, the power play is lethal, and the defensive core is showing flashes of high-end potential. There are still questions-particularly around line chemistry and forward depth-but the foundation is clearly strong.
With five Olympic golds since 1990, Canada knows what it takes to win on this stage. If they can iron out the wrinkles and keep building momentum, that sixth gold might not be far off.