Team Canada Jordan Binnington’s shutout and Macklin Celebrini’s historic goal lead Team Canada to a 5-0 win over Czechia in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Read the full recap and highlights of the dominant opener.
The wait for best-on-best international hockey is finally over, and Team Canada did not disappoint. In a high-octane atmosphere at the Santagiulia Arena, the red and white delivered a clinical performance, shutting out a dangerous Czechia squad to kick off their gold medal quest. It was a night of historic “firsts” and veteran dominance that silenced any critics.
Game Overview: Canada vs. Czechia
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Canada 5, Czechia 0 |
| Key Scorer | Macklin Celebrini (GWG) |
| Playmaker | Connor McDavid (3 Assists) |
| Goaltender | Jordan Binnington (26-Save Shutout) |
| Attendance | 11,600 (Sold Out) |
Jordan Binnington Silences the Doubters
For weeks leading up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, the biggest debate in Canadian hockey circles was who should start in goal. Team Canada Coach Jon Cooper made his choice clear, and Jordan Binnington rewarded that faith with a flawless 26-save performance. This wasn’t just a standard victory; it was a statement of composure under the brightest lights.
Early in the first period, with the game still scoreless, Jordan Binnington made a spectacular desperation save on David Kampf to keep the momentum from shifting. His ability to track the puck through a screen of NHL-level talent proved that he is currently the man for the job. By the time the final horn sounded, Jordan Binnington had become the fourth Canadian goalie in history to record an Olympic shutout with NHL players on the ice.
Macklin Celebrini Makes History
At just 19 years old, Macklin Celebrini is the youngest player on a star-studded Canadian roster. However, he didn’t play like a rookie. With only 5.7 seconds remaining in the first period, Celebrini tipped a Cale Makar point shot past Lukas Dostal to break the deadlock.
This goal was historic: Celebrini is now the first teenager to score a game-winning goal in an Olympic Hockey tournament featuring NHL players. His line, anchored by the physical presence of Tom Wilson and the speed of Connor McDavid, set the tempo for the entire game. “He’s got that swagger,” noted teammate Tom Wilson after the game, and that confidence was on full display in Milan.
McDavid and Crosby Lead the Offensive Charge
While the young guns grabbed the headlines, the veterans were the engine room. Connor McDavid finished the night with three assists, showcasing the vision that makes him the best player in the world. His connection with Nathan MacKinnon on a third-period power play was a thing of beauty, involving a quick exchange with Sidney Crosby that left the Czech defense frozen.
The depth of this team is terrifying for opponents. When you have a fourth line featuring Nick Suzuki and Bo Horvat—both of whom found the back of the net—it becomes nearly impossible for other nations to match that level of sustained pressure. Canada’s identity in this Olympic Hockey opener was built on relentless speed and stifling defensive play.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Gold
Despite the lopsided score, the victory came with a bit of concern. Defenseman Josh Morrissey left the game in the second period with an injury and did not return. With a quick turnaround against Switzerland on Friday, the Canadian medical staff will be working overtime to assess his status.
Logan Thompson is expected to get the start in net for the next matchup to keep Jordan Binnington fresh for the knockout rounds. Canada sits comfortably at the top of Group A, but as captain Sidney Crosby said after the game, the mission is only beginning. They aren’t just here to win games; they are here to re-establish Canada as the undisputed kings of the ice.
Conclusion
Canada’s 5-0 win over Czechia was the perfect start to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Between the historic goal by Macklin Celebrini and the rock-solid goaltending of Jordan Binnington, the “Azzurri” fans in Milan got a masterclass in Canadian hockey. If this team stays healthy and continues to build chemistry, they will be very difficult to beat on the path to the gold medal game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who did Jordan Binnington play for in the NHL before the Olympics?
Jordan Binnington is the starting goaltender for the St. Louis Blues and led them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019.
2. How many points did Connor McDavid get in the opener?
Connor McDavid recorded three assists, including a primary helper on Nick Suzuki’s goal in the third period.
3. Is Macklin Celebrini the youngest player to score for Canada?
Yes, at 19, he is the youngest Canadian to score a goal in an Olympics involving NHL players.
4. When is Canada’s next game in the 2026 Olympics?
Team Canada is scheduled to play Switzerland on Friday, February 13, at 3:10 p.m. ET.
5. What happened to Josh Morrissey during the game?
Morrissey left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Coach Jon Cooper has not yet provided a formal update.
