Team Canada has handled the group stage with control, showing their focus in the 2026 Winter Olympics. And San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini has played a key role in that run. The team has gained an early lead and stayed composed throughout all three games.
Now the tournament moves into elimination rounds, where every mistake can decide the result.
Macklin Celebrini Makes Olympic History With First NHL Penalty Shot Goal as Team Canada Stays in Control
Macklin Celebrini created a rare moment during Canada’s 10-2 win over France on Sunday at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina. The 19-year-old center scored on a penalty shot, becoming the first NHL player to convert one at the Olympics.
The chance came after Celebrini was taken down on a breakaway late in the second period. He collected the puck, moved to his right, then cut to the middle and finished on his forehand.
That goal carries weight because several top NHL players failed in similar situations in past Olympics. Players like Sidney Crosby (2010 Vancouver Olympics against Switzerland) and Patrick Kane (2014 Sochi Olympics against Finland) had scoring chances but could not convert.
NHL insider Dan Rosen noted that Celebrini is the first NHL player to convert a penalty shot at the Olympics, putting his name in a unique spot. The moment added to a strong start for the young forward in his first Olympic tournament.
“Macklin Celebrini is the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot in the Olympics. The others who have attempted are Alexei Yashin (’98), Milan Hejduk (’06), Sidney Crosby (’10), Corey Perry (’14), and Patrick Kane (’14). Kane attempted two in the bronze medal game in 2014,” Rosen shared on X.
Celebrini ended the preliminary round with six points, including four goals in three games. He has also set the record for the most goals by a teenager in an Olympic event with NHL players.
Celebrini has played on a top line with Connor McDavid, and their play has helped Canada control games. McDavid leads the tournament with nine points and continues to drive the offense.
Canada finished the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record and earned the top seed for the quarterfinals. The team outscored opponents 20-3, which included wins over Czechia (5-0), Switzerland (5-1), and France (10-2).
Canada has kept its structure and allowed few goals through three games. The team has also started reviewing videos to make small adjustments before the knockout stage. That preparation becomes increasingly important as the tournament progresses.
The next phase will test both experience and execution. Canada now enters the quarterfinals on Feb. 18Â with a strong record and a young player who has already added a rare Olympic achievement.
Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Preliminary Round Schedule
