Team Canada Dominates Team Switzerland In Hockey At Olympic Winter Games

If you’re a goaltender facing Team Canada at these Olympics, you probably wake up in a cold sweat long before the puck drops. It’s hard to blame you. Looking across the ice and seeing Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby wearing the same jersey feels less like a hockey game and more like a cruel glitch in a video game.

On Friday in Milan, that unfair reality hit Team Switzerland hard. In a 5-1 drubbing that felt both methodical and electric, Canada showcased exactly why they are the terrifying juggernaut of this tournament. Leading the charge was none other than the Oilers’ captain himself. McDavid didn’t just play; he conducted a symphony of destruction, racking up a goal and two assists. But the story wasn’t just about the established superstars—it was about the chemistry of a roster that spans generations.

With the win, Canada (2-0) has officially clinched Group A, earning a well-deserved bye to the quarterfinals. The rest of the field is officially on notice: the sleeping giant isn’t just awake; it’s skating circles around everyone.

Canada Flexes Its Offensive Muscle Early

You almost felt bad for Swiss netminder Akira Schmid. The poor guy was under siege from the jump. Canada wasted no time establishing dominance, and it started on the power play. Just over five minutes in, MacKinnon whipped a cross-ice pass to McDavid. The result? A snipe past Schmid’s glove side that made the 1-0 lead feel inevitable. It was McDavid’s first career Olympic goal, a milestone that feels overdue despite this being his debut Games.

But McDavid wasn’t done playing quarterback. Later in the first frame, he orchestrated a fast break that left the Swiss defense scrambling, dishing a perfect feed to Defenseman Thomas Harley for a 2-0 lead.

Here is the absurd stat of the night: With his three-point performance, McDavid now has six points in his first two Olympic games. That makes him the first player in history to record five or more points in his first two Olympic contests involving NHL talent, passing legends Marian Hossa and Teemu Selanne. We are watching history in real-time, folks.

The Kid is Alright: Macklin Celebrini Shines

While the veterans were doing their thing, the “kid” decided he wanted in on the action, too. Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old San Jose Sharks rookie who probably grew up having McDavid posters on his wall, looked right at home on the top line.

Midway through the second period, with Canada holding a precarious 2-1 lead after a Swiss power-play goal, the magic happened. MacKinnon, operating with eyes in the back of his head, sent a no-look backhand pass to Celebrini. The teenager didn’t hesitate, burying a one-timer to restore the two-goal cushion.

It was a “passing of the torch” moment, even if the torch isn’t quite ready to be passed yet. Watching Celebrini celebrate with MacKinnon and McDavid offered a glimpse into the embarrassment of riches Canada possesses. They have the best player in the world, the second-best player in the world, and the future best player in the world.

Switzerland Puts Up a Fight, But Falls Short

Credit where credit is due: Switzerland didn’t roll over. In the first period, they managed to do something no one had done to Canada in the Olympics since 2014—they scored. After a Sven Andrighetto shot rang off the crossbar, Pius Suter was there to clean up the garbage, cutting the lead to 2-1. For a few minutes, the Santagiulia Arena was rocking with Swiss fans hoping for a miracle.

Philipp Kurashev, playing against his NHL peers, battled hard, but the depth of Canada eventually wore them down. When you manage to shut down one line, another one full of Hall of Famers hops over the boards. It is a game of attrition that Canada is built to win every single time.

Crosby and Co. Close the Door

Just to twist the knife a little further, Crosby decided to remind everyone why he’s “Sid the Kid.” In the third period, the legendary captain tipped home a Mitch Marner pass to make it 4-1. It was Crosby’s first goal of the 2026 Games, and seeing him celebrate in the Maple Leaf sweater just feels right.

MacKinnon capped off the night with a late goal, assisted by McDavid and Celebrini. The final buzzer sounded on a 5-1 victory that felt like a statement. Canada isn’t just relying on one line or one goalie. They are a four-line machine designed to suffocate you with speed and bury you with skill.

What This Means For Team Canada

The win guarantees Canada the top spot in Group A, meaning they get to skip the qualification playoffs and head straight to the quarterfinals next Wednesday. Their final preliminary game against France on Sunday is essentially a glorified practice session. It is a chance to fine-tune the lines and maybe let the goalies get some reps.

But don’t expect them to take their foot off the gas. If these first two games have shown us anything, it’s that this version of Team Canada is hungry. They aren’t just here to win; they’re here to dominate.