On Thursday, Canada and the Czech Republic faced off in their first match of the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It was also the first time since the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi that NHL players could participate.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s hockey tournament
The Czech Republic are highly motivated when they face Canada and are heavy favorites to reach the podium, with a multi-star squad including David Pastrnak and Martin Necas. However, from Connor McDavid to Sidney Crosby, the Canadians are competing for another gold medal.
From the opening face-off, Canada took control of the game, setting the tempo and imposing their style. The Czech Republic occasionally pushed back and used their outside speed, but they could not solve the Canadian defensive plan. However, Canada lost defenseman Josh Morrissey to injury early in the game.
The Canadian stars showed up. Connor McDavid had three points and the team scored goals from five different players, including new Olympians Macklin Celebrini, Bo Horvat and Nick Suzuki. Combined, they provided plenty of offensive support for Jordan Binnington, who earned the shutout.
It was a complete team effort from Team Canada, who took the lead and never let it go. Finally Canada achieved a 5-0 victory.
Canada vs. Czech Republic Featured speed, speed and more speed
Both Canada and the Czech Republic played at a breakneck pace for most of the match. The smaller ice surface will affect the games as there is less time and space to play, forcing players to plan their attacks in advance. Canada performed well in that style; The Czech Republic had some problems, mainly because Canada has many more skilled players in its roster than the Czech Republic.
However, don’t sleep on Team Czech Republic, which has one of the best goalscorers in the world in David Pastrnak. Unfortunately, their offense was limited by Cale Makar, who can shut down any top line, and the veteran wiles of Drew Doughty, who provides skillful depth on defense.
Speed was a factor on special teams as Canada scored a power-play goal thanks to Sidney Crosby’s Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. The Czech Republic’s penalty killing had no response.
Team Canada Line Blender
There was a lot of discussion before the tournament about how the line combinations would play out, and head coach Jon Cooper started the match with a set lineup, but spent the entire first period juggling his lines, testing chemistry and getting every player a chance to get into the game.
We don’t have much time. This isn’t about throwing darts at a dartboard. Who can keep track of whom? Can we look at a little chemistry in practice?
-Jon Cooper
The pressure to win is always on the defending gold medalists, and these Olympics are no different, as Team Canada won gold the last time NHLers competed, just as Finland looks to defend their title starting in 2022. Retired NHL forward and Olympic gold medal winner with Team Sweden, Henrik Zetterberg, stated that Canada is one of his pre-tournament favorites.
“Sweden, Finland – let’s say all the countries except the US and Canada – we are not as deep as the North American teams.”
-Henrik Zetterberg
The key for Cooper is finding four lines that can contribute, not only offensively, but also by finding an identity that helps Canada win games. In this opening match he did just that.
My kingdom for a goalkeeper
The biggest question mark over Canada’s participation in the tournament was goaltending. Jordan Binnington got the start, leaving fans holding their breath wondering which version of the St. Louis Blues goalkeeper they would see: the 4 Nations tournament version that won gold, or the one that is struggling for the Blues this season. The Czech Republic, on the other hand, relied on Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal, who had an 8-2-0 record with a .924 save percentage in his last 10 games prior to this tournament.
Binnington allayed the concerns. With elite defensive talent in front of him, his focus is on making the first save, and he can trust his defenders to clear the rebounds.
On the other hand, Dostal was solid and made several great saves while under siege all night. The Czech Republic allowed far too many risky scoring opportunities, especially from close range. The shots on target may not seem one-sided, 36-26 in Canada’s favour, but there was very little opportunity for the Czech Republic to create second chances; they were simply outmaneuvered by a deeper Canadian team.
Canada Back on Friday
Canada will take over Switzerland tomorrow at 3:10 PM ET.
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