Canada Routs France 10-2 Behind Crosby and McDavid’s Six-Point Performance

Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid each recorded one goal and two assists as Canada routs France 10-2 to finish the Olympic round-robin unbeaten.

Canada finished its Olympic round-robin schedule with a clinical 10-2 victory over France in Milan on Sunday. Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid spearheaded the offensive explosion, each contributing one goal and two assists to secure an unbeaten preliminary record. This win moved Canada’s goal differential to plus-17 over three games, placing the top seed nearly out of reach for the United States. To overtake Canada for the No. 1 ranking, the Americans would need to defeat Germany by a margin of 10 or more goals on Sunday evening.

The scoring barrage featured a standout performance from 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player on the roster. Celebrini found the back of the net twice against France, scoring once on a penalty shot and once on the power play, bringing his tournament total to four goals in three games. Mark Stone provided a critical momentum shift late in the first period, scoring short-handed with only 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock. Stone also finished the contest with two assists.

Statistical Dominance and Lineup Impact

Canada’s offensive efficiency was supported by a 46-13 advantage in shots on goal. Goaltender Jordan Binnington earned the win, facing just 13 shots and allowing two goals. Despite the second French goal, Binnington is expected to start Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchup, where Canada will likely face either Czechia or Germany. Connor McDavid’s production has been historic for a debutant; he has amassed nine points across his first nine periods of Olympic play to lead all tournament scorers.

Physicality played a role in the lopsided result after Nathan MacKinnon was struck in the face by a forearm. Tom Wilson, who started the game on the right wing of the top line alongside McDavid, responded by fighting the opposing player. Under international rules, Wilson was assessed a game misconduct and ejected, though he recorded a goal and several significant hits prior to his departure. MacKinnon was able to return to the ice following the incident. Brandon Hagel added to the tally in the third period, scoring Canada’s ninth goal before Celebrini capped the scoring with the tenth.

Quarterfinal Implications and Standings

Canada’s unbeaten run through the preliminary round establishes them as the tournament's formidable frontrunner. If the U.S. wins its next game by fewer than 10 goals, they will secure the second seed and are projected to face seventh-seeded Sweden in the quarterfinals. Sweden remains a dangerous opponent, though Canada’s size and finishing ability were on full display in Milan. A regulation loss by the Americans would further disrupt the current standings, which have already seen unexpected shifts.

Sidney Crosby, now 38 years old, is pursuing his third career Olympic gold medal. His leadership on the ice has complemented the speed of McDavid and the youth of Celebrini. The Canadian squad has demonstrated a high level of skill and size, effectively skating opponents out of the building during the opening round.

Switzerland Edges Czechia in Overtime

In other tournament action, Switzerland secured a 4-3 overtime victory against Czechia. Dean Kukan, a former defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, scored the winning goal in the extra period. Kukan, who has six goals in 172 career NHL games, opted to shoot after Radek Simek provided him with open space. Switzerland played without winger Kevin Fiala, who underwent surgery for a lower left leg injury. The Los Angeles Kings’ scorer sent a video message to his teammates from his hospital bed prior to the game.

Swiss captain Roman Josi opened the scoring for his team by banking a puck off the left skate of Radko Gudas. Other Swiss goals came from Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils and Pius Suter of the St. Louis Blues. Veteran goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 29 saves on 32 shots to preserve the win. This victory ensures Switzerland an easier path in the qualification playoffs on Tuesday, where they are likely to face either France or the winless host nation, Italy. Nico Hischier, captain of the Devils, noted that the team is dedicated to playing for the injured Fiala as they move toward the knockout stage.