MILAN – Canada continued its strong start at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, defeating Switzerland 5-1 on Friday and securing a 2-0 record in Group A. The victory was fueled by a multi-point performance from both Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, each registering three points in the game. Sidney Crosby, captain of Team Canada, likewise found the back of the net, bringing him within striking distance of an Olympic scoring record.
The Canadians demonstrated their offensive prowess, with goals also coming from Thomas Harley and Sidney Crosby. Logan Thompson was solid in net, stopping 24 of 25 shots faced. The win puts Canada in a strong position as they prepare to face Team France in their final preliminary round game on Sunday at 10:40 a.m. Local time (Peacock, USA, ICI Télé, CBC Gem, RDS2, CBC). The team is looking to continue its momentum as the tournament progresses.
Despite a spirited effort, Switzerland fell to 1-0-1-0 in the preliminary round. Pius Suter scored their lone goal, whereas Akira Schmid made 34 saves in a busy performance. The Swiss team, playing with significant support from fans near the Italian-Swiss border, will now face Team Czechia on Sunday at 6:10 a.m. ET (Peacock, CNBC, ICI TOU.TV, CBC Gem, SN, RDS) in a crucial game that could determine whether they receive a bye to the quarterfinals.
However, the game was marred by a concerning injury to Swiss forward Kevin Fiala. Fiala was stretchered off the ice with 2:50 remaining in the third period after a collision with Canada’s Tom Wilson along the boards. Switzerland coach Patrick Fischer confirmed Fiala was taken to the hospital, stating the injury “didn’t look good.”
Crosby Closing in on Olympic Scoring Record
Sidney Crosby’s goal against Switzerland marked his third point of the tournament, moving him into a tie for third place on the all-time Olympic scoring list for players from the National Hockey League with 12 points. He trails only Jarome Iginla, who holds the record with 14 points, according to Olympics.com. Head coach Jon Cooper lauded Crosby as “generational,” emphasizing his consistent excellence and leadership.
McDavid and MacKinnon Lead Canadian Offense
The offensive contributions of both Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon were pivotal in Canada’s victory. Each player recorded a goal and two assists, showcasing the depth of Canada’s offensive talent. MacKinnon acknowledged the challenge presented by the Swiss team, noting their strong play and the energy provided by their home-country support. “They have a good team,” MacKinnon said. “So it’s not an easy game. They’re ready to move. This is almost a home country for them. It was a competitive first period.”
Canada’s strong performance comes after naming Crosby as team captain on February 8, 2026, a role he previously held in 2014. NHL.com reported that Connor McDavid and Cale Makar were named alternate captains, highlighting the leadership core of the Canadian team. Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, described Crosby as a “real role model” for players across the league.
The tournament structure dictates that the three group winners, along with the team with the next-best record, will advance directly to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams will participate in a single-elimination qualifying playoff beginning Tuesday. The outcome of Sunday’s game between Switzerland and Team Czechia will be critical in determining their playoff fate.
The injury to Kevin Fiala casts a shadow over Switzerland’s prospects. Hischier expressed concern for his teammate, saying, “Stuff like that is hard to watch. Obviously Kevin is a big part of our group. I hope it’s better than it looked, but we obviously wish Kevin the best.”
Canada will look to continue its winning ways against France on Sunday, while Switzerland will aim to secure a favorable playoff position against Czechia. The health of key players, particularly Fiala, will undoubtedly be a major storyline as the Olympic tournament progresses.
What comes next for both teams will depend on their performances on Sunday and the results of other games in their respective groups. The quarterfinals are rapidly approaching, and the stakes will only continue to rise as the tournament unfolds.
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