Dominant Forwards Secure Second Straight Hockey Win, Seek Further Improvement

Casey Halston

Published: February 14, 2026 9:44 AM ET

Dominant Forwards Secure Second Straight Hockey Win, Seek Further Improvement

Canada’s hockey team has secured its second consecutive win in the Olympic tournament, showcasing the depth and talent of its forward group. With standout performances from players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, the team continues to dominate its opponents.

Victory Over Switzerland

In a decisive 5-1 victory against Switzerland, both McDavid and MacKinnon stood out, contributing significantly to the scoreline with a goal and two assists each. The match took place in Milano Cortina at the 2026 Olympic Games.

Scoring Contributions

Connor McDavid: 1 goal, 2 assists
Nathan MacKinnon: 1 goal, 2 assists
Other scorers: Sidney Crosby, Macklin Celebrini, Thomas Harley

Over two games, eight different players have found the net, underscoring the offensive prowess of the Canadian squad. The upcoming preliminary-round match against France is scheduled for Sunday at 10:40 a.m. ET, viewable on CBC and CBC Gem.

Strong Goaltending and Assessments

Logan Thompson, the Canadian goaltender, delivered an impressive performance with 24 saves, allowing just one goal against Swiss forward Pius Suter. His composure solidified during the latter part of the match, helping Canada maintain its lead.

Despite their solid performance, head coach Jon Cooper expressed a desire for improvement. Captain Sidney Crosby echoed this sentiment, noting that early turnovers created challenges.

Player Dynamics and Strategies

The Canadian team features a blend of experience and youthful talent. After a strategic shift, MacKinnon joined the top line with McDavid and Celebrini, resulting in increased scoring opportunities.

This alignment proved effective during the third period when Celebrini’s assist led to a rebound goal by MacKinnon after a shot on net.

Challenges Ahead

Although Canada has outscored its first opponents 10-1, tougher challenges lie ahead. The team looks forward to facing higher-seeded competition, including the Finnish and Swedish teams, as well as a formidable American squad later in the tournament.

Looking Forward

With their current standing in the tournament, Canada aims to secure a top-four seed to avoid the qualification round. The focus remains on improving with each game as they strive for Olympic gold in 2026.