Actually, there’s a major detail to correct: Canada defeated Czechia 5–0, not the other way around. In their opening Olympic matchup on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Team Canada’s NHL stars delivered a dominant statement at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, proving why they are the tournament favorites.
Far from a “tough road to recovery,” Canada currently sits at the top of Group A with a perfect record and a massive +5 goal differential.
The “New Era” Opener: Dominance in Milan
This game marked the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time in 12 years, and Canada’s roster—led by a mix of legendary veterans and generational young talent—showcased an overwhelming depth that Czechia couldn’t match.
Celebrini’s Record: 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring with a deflection off a Cale Makar shot with just 5.7 seconds left in the first period. He is now the youngest Canadian NHL player to ever score a goal in the Olympics.
Binnington’s Shutout: Jordan Binnington was spectacular in his Olympic debut, stopping all 26 shots he faced to secure the clean sheet.
McDavid’s Vision: Connor McDavid didn’t need to score to dominate; he recorded three assists and dictated the pace of the game from his first shift.
Special Teams: Canada’s power play was lethal, highlighted by a “tic-tac-toe” goal that moved from Crosby to McDavid to Nathan MacKinnon for the 4–0 lead.
Box Score: Canada vs. Czechia (Feb 12, 2026)
| Period | Goal Scorer (Canada) | Assists | Score |
| 1st (19:54) | Macklin Celebrini | Makar, McDavid | 1–0 |
| 2nd (26:40) | Mark Stone | Marner, Crosby | 2–0 |
| 2nd (37:26) | Bo Horvat | Marchand, Harley | 3–0 |
| 3rd (47:42) | Nathan MacKinnon | McDavid, Crosby | 4–0 |
| 3rd (53:22) | Nick Suzuki | McDavid, Harley | 5–0 |
