Team Canada opened their Olympic campaign in dominant fashion, blanking Czechia 5-0 on Thursday in a performance that was as convincing as the score suggests. From the crease out, Canada looked every bit the tournament favorite - and they did it while navigating an early bump in the road.
Let’s start with the shutout. Jordan Binnington, who’s had a rocky NHL season, turned in a gem between the pipes.
There’s something about the international stage that can bring out the best in players, and Binnington looked locked in from puck drop. He wasn’t tested often, but when Czechia did generate chances, he was there - calm, composed, and technically sharp.
For a guy who's been under the microscope all year, this was a statement performance.
Up front, the youth movement made its presence felt. Macklin Celebrini, the 18-year-old phenom, picked up his first goal in best-on-best competition.
It’s one thing to be touted as the future - it’s another to show up on the biggest stage and deliver. Celebrini didn’t just score; he looked comfortable playing alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, who, by the way, were as electric as advertised.
That top-end talent? It’s real, and it’s terrifying for the rest of the field.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Canada took a hit on the blue line when Josh Morrissey left the game with an injury.
Head coach Jon Cooper told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas postgame that Morrissey attempted to return but ultimately couldn’t. The team is hopeful it’s nothing serious, but with the Olympic rules now in effect, Canada can’t replace him on the roster.
That puts the focus squarely on depth. Canada dressed Shea Theodore as their seventh defenseman and had Travis Sanheim watching from the press box.
If Morrissey can’t go in Friday’s game against Switzerland - which comes with a quick turnaround - expect one or both to step into more prominent roles. Given the early success and the nature of Olympic tournament play, Cooper may opt to rest Morrissey as a precaution, especially with tougher matchups looming.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Morrissey or Jets fans. He missed the 4 Nations Face-Off final earlier this season due to illness and only sat out one game for Winnipeg afterward. But this time, it’s an injury, and how it plays out could have a bigger impact depending on how deep Canada goes.
Still, the takeaway from Game 1 is clear: Canada’s elite talent can carry them - at least for now. Against Czechia, the trio of Celebrini, Crosby, and McDavid set the tone early and never let up.
That kind of star power can overwhelm most teams in the field. But when the medal rounds arrive and the margins tighten, Canada’s depth - particularly on the back end - will need to step up.
Morrissey opened the game on the second pairing alongside Colton Parayko and didn’t see much time on the power play. His absence reshuffles the defensive rotation, but with names like Theodore and Sanheim waiting in the wings, Canada has the tools to adapt.
Next up: Switzerland on Friday at 3:10 p.m. Eastern.
Another win would put Canada in a strong position in group play - and give them a little more breathing room to manage injuries. For now, they’ve sent a message.
Canada’s here, and they’re not easing into this tournament.