Canada HC Jon Cooper Has Special Praise for Marner-Crosby-Stone Line

Team Canada has come out flying at the 2026 Olympics, earning back-to-back wins to open the tournament. With NHL players returning to the Winter Games for the first time in 12 years, the roster is loaded with elite talent, and it’s already showing on the ice.

Head coach Jon Cooper has taken notice of one line in particular: the trio of Mitch Marner, Sidney Crosby, and Mark Stone.

Canada’s Elite Trio Setting the Tone

Canada officially locked up first place in Group A, along with a direct bye to the quarterfinals, after a dominant 5-1 win over Switzerland on Feb. 13. Through two games, they’ve posted a perfect 2-0 record. And also outscored opponents 10-1.

While Cooper has experimented with his forward combinations, even briefly loading up a unit featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Macklin Celebrini for an offensive-zone draw, one line has remained untouched.

The trio of Mitch Marner, Sidney Crosby, and Mark Stone has quietly become Canada’s stabilizing force.

Through two games, the line has combined for six points and consistently set the tone early, often starting periods and key situations. Cooper didn’t hesitate when asked about their impact.

“They’re kind of a stabilizer for us. Clearly we’re going to talk about Celebrini and the Macs, but that line’s been outstanding for us. I just call them stabilizers. Marner, Stone and Crosby, they just calm the waters. And they’re pretty damn good players,” Cooper said.

For Marner, the chemistry starts with a shared mindset.

“All three of us have a defensive mindset,” he said. “Trying to make sure we’re being smart with our pucks and not forcing stuff and putting it in the right spot for one another.”

Marner, who grew up idolizing Crosby like so many Canadian kids, has shown clear chemistry with the veteran captain. After setting up Stone with a highlight-reel play in a 5-0 win over Czechia. And Marner followed it up by assisting on a Crosby goal against Switzerland.

“He (Crosby) communicates a lot to Stoney and I about where he wants us to be, where he likes us to be in certain spots. We’re getting better as the games go on. Stoney and I have pretty good chemistry out there so we move pretty well, and it’s pretty easy to play with Sid,” Marner added.

With first place in the group already secured, Canada will wrap up preliminary play against France on Sunday morning before turning its attention to the quarterfinals.