Canada routs France 10-2 in Milano Cortina 2026 tune-up, Celebrini shines
Canada delivered a statement offensive performance in its final preliminary game at Milano Cortina 2026, dismantling France 10-2 in a game that showcased depth scoring and a breakout night from 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini. The win sends Canada into the quarterfinals, while France heads to the play-off round.
Nine different scorers power Canada
Canada piled up goals from all over the roster, with Celebrini netting a pair — one coming on a penalty shot — and eight teammates chipping in one apiece. Tom Wilson, Devon Toews, Mark Stone, Cale Makar, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Bo Horvat and Brandon Hagel all found the back of the net. Stone’s marker came shorthanded, underscoring Canada's special-teams impact in the contest.
France managed goals from Floran Douay and Sacha Treille, but never mounted sustained pressure against a Canadian attack that excelled at transition and finishing. For Canada, the balance of scoring eased any concerns about relying too heavily on a few star names; nine different goal-scorers reflected a deep supporting cast ready for the knockout rounds.
The victory also offered room for emotional moments and physicality. Wilson was involved in a fight during the game, but the joint disciplinary review of the tournament did not hand down any further punishment, leaving him free to celebrate his contributions without additional sanction.
What this means for the knockout rounds
Canada advances to the quarterfinals, with its next game set for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (ET). The result closes out Canada’s preliminary slate on a high note and shifts focus to a single-elimination bracket where earlier goal differential will no longer factor into the outcome.
France will move to the play-off round on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), needing to navigate one more do-or-die contest to reach the quarters. For the French squad, which featured only one NHL regular, the tournament remains a valuable experience on the world stage and a chance to test itself against top opponents.
Canada’s bench also provided clarity on personnel: head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that veteran forward Brad Marchand, who has been out of the lineup, will be available for the quarterfinal, restoring another layer of veteran savvy and edge to the roster.
Young stars and veteran leadership share the spotlight
Celebrini’s two-goal night — including the pressure-packed penalty shot — underlined his status as one of the tournament’s most exciting young talents. The 19-year-old’s skating, poise and finishing ability drew praise from teammates and added a new wrinkle to Canada’s already stacked forward group.
Veteran leaders also left their mark. Nathan MacKinnon, among the scorers, summed up the locker-room mood with a simple challenge: the team enjoyed scoring 10 and hopes to keep that kind of spark going into elimination play. Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid provided steady playmaking and finishing, while defensemen like Cale Makar contributed both on the scoreboard and in puck movement.
For France, Montreal forward Alexandre Texier carried a heavy load and spoke about savoring the Olympic environment. He described the athletes’ village as a unique, once-every-four-years atmosphere where competitors trade pins, mingle with athletes from other sports and soak in the broader Olympic experience — even when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way.
With the preliminary stage complete, Canada heads into the quarterfinals confident in its depth and offensive firepower, while France prepares for a high-stakes play-off test as it fights to extend its stay at Milano Cortina 2026.
