Olympic Hockey Roundup: Canada Dominates, Switzerland Shuts the Door, and Team USA Rolls Past Latvia
The puck has officially dropped on men’s Olympic hockey in Milano-Cortina, and if Day 2 is any indication, we’re in for a tournament packed with star power, statement wins, and a few storylines that are already taking shape. Let’s break down the action from a busy slate of games.
Canada 5, Czechia 0: McDavid Dishes, Binnington Blanks, But Morrissey Exits Early
Team Canada wasted no time reminding the hockey world why they’re perennial Olympic favorites. A 5-0 win over Czechia was as clinical as it was commanding, led by Connor McDavid’s three-assist performance that looked effortless at times. Whether it was threading the needle on the power play or pushing pace in transition, McDavid was in full control from the first shift.
Behind him, Jordan Binnington continued his red-hot form from the 4 Nations Face-Off, turning away all 26 shots he faced for the shutout. He looked calm, composed, and completely dialed in - exactly what you want from your No. 1 goalie in a tournament like this.
But the win came with a potentially significant loss.
Josh Morrissey, making his Olympic debut, left the game early in the second period with an undisclosed injury and did not return. The Winnipeg Jets defenseman logged just 7:10 of ice time, skating alongside Colton Parayko before heading to the locker room. Head coach Jon Cooper didn’t have an immediate update after the game, and Morrissey’s status for Canada’s next matchup against Switzerland remains uncertain.
Parayko, who’s played alongside Morrissey dating back to the 4 Nations, said he “feels for Josh” but doesn’t yet know the extent of the injury. For a Canadian blue line that’s built on chemistry and puck movement, Morrissey’s absence - even short-term - would be a tough blow.
Switzerland 4, France 0: Genoni Shines, Riat and Moser Strike Early
Switzerland came out flying in their Olympic opener, and they didn’t let up. Goals from Damian Riat and J.J. Moser just over two minutes apart in the opening period set the tone, and from there, it was all about Leonardo Genoni.
The 2025 World Championship MVP was sharp from start to finish, stopping all 27 shots he faced to notch his first Olympic shutout. Genoni’s experience and poise in net gave Switzerland full control of the game, and his performance was a reminder that this team isn’t just here to compete - they’re here to contend.
Jets forward Nino Niederreiter, named one of Switzerland’s assistant captains earlier in the week, didn’t find the scoresheet but was active throughout. Skating on a line with Denis Malgin and Sven Andrighetto, Niederreiter recorded two shots on goal and came inches from adding a fifth goal in the third period, ringing a rebound attempt off the post behind French netminder Antoine Keller.
Switzerland’s depth, structure, and goaltending looked sharp - and they’ll need all of it in their next test against Canada.
USA 5, Latvia 1: Nelson Leads the Way, Hellebuyck Gets His First Olympic Win
Team USA handled business against Latvia, picking up a 5-1 win that showcased their offensive depth and defensive discipline. Brock Nelson led the charge with two goals, including the eventual game-winner in the second period, while the Hughes brothers - Jack and Quinn - along with Jack Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk, each tallied two assists.
It was the kind of balanced attack that makes this American squad dangerous. They can roll four lines, get offense from the blue line, and wear teams down with speed and skill.
Between the pipes, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck earned his first Olympic win, stopping 17 of 18 shots in a steady performance. He wasn’t tested often, but when Latvia did generate chances, Hellebuyck was there to shut the door.
Kyle Connor, also representing the Jets, skated on a line with Tage Thompson and Dylan Larkin. He logged just over 11 minutes of ice time and was active in the offensive zone, helping drive play with his speed and quick release.
The Americans now get a day off before facing Denmark on Saturday - a matchup that carries a bit of extra intrigue, as it pits them against former Jet Nikolaj Ehlers.
Looking Ahead
With two games in the books for most teams, the early standings are starting to take shape - and so are the identities of the contenders. Canada looks dominant, the U.S. is deep and dangerous, and Switzerland’s structure could make them a dark horse. But with injuries, momentum swings, and international pressure in play, there’s still plenty of hockey left to be written in Milano-Cortina.
Friday’s slate promises more clarity - and maybe a few surprises. Stay tuned.