Sidney Crosby, MacKinnon Spark Canada’s 5-1 Win Over Switzerland; Canada Clinches Group A
Team Canada flexed depth and star power in a 5-1 victory over Switzerland at Milano Santagiulia Arena, securing first place in Group A and a bye into the Olympic quarterfinals. Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini combined for eight points while Sidney Crosby added a goal in a commanding performance.
Top line terrorizes Swiss defense
The newly assembled line of MacKinnon, McDavid and Celebrini wreaked havoc, producing three goals and five assists between them. MacKinnon and McDavid each recorded a goal and two assists, and Celebrini notched his second goal in as many games. The trio’s speed and playmaking created sustained pressure and repeatedly opened lanes, forcing Switzerland to adjust its defensive coverage.
Crosby contributes veteran composure
Sidney Crosby chipped in with a tipped goal in the third period, finishing off a play that pushed the lead to 4-1 and effectively closed the contest. Crosby highlighted the importance of puck management and structure, noting that while Canada’s attack was potent, there were moments in the first period that needed correction. His steady presence helped calm the lineup as younger stars continued to make plays.
Goaltending, special teams and key moments
Logan Thompson made 24 saves in his Olympic debut, stymieing several Swiss chances in the opening period and earning the win. Switzerland’s Akira Schmid finished with 34 saves and kept his team within striking distance early. The power play proved decisive when Canada struck quickly to change momentum, and a sequence late in the second period—begun by MacKinnon—led to Celebrini’s tally that gave Canada a two-goal cushion.
Fiala injury mars late stages
The game took a worrisome turn with under three minutes remaining when Tom Wilson and Kevin Fiala became entangled along the boards. Fiala was loaded onto a stretcher and taken off the ice; the Swiss coach later said the forward went to the hospital and that the injury did not look good. Teammates from both sides reacted with visible concern as the medical team attended to the Swiss forward.
Standings, schedule and what’s next
With the victory Canada finishes atop Group A and will not play in the single-elimination qualifying round, giving the roster a breather before the quarterfinals. Canada’s final preliminary game, which now carries no elimination consequence, is against France on Sunday at 10: 40 a. m. ET. Switzerland will close its preliminary slate against Czechia on Sunday at 6: 10 a. m. ET; the winner of that matchup could also earn a bye into the quarterfinals depending on group results.
Coach’s view and tournament outlook
Coach Jon Cooper emphasized the need for incremental improvement even with the dominant scoreline, pointing out that the back-to-back slate and travel will test the team’s endurance. Players echoed that sentiment: MacKinnon praised the group’s depth and goaltending, and McDavid highlighted the chemistry when he, MacKinnon and Celebrini were together. For rival teams, the warning is clear—Canada’s star-laden lineup still appears to have room to grow.
