Team Canada has built early control at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The lineup has found a good balance across all four lines. Veteran leaders and young players have combined well in each game.
That balance has helped Canada secure a strong position heading into the next round.
Sidney Crosby Moves Up Record List While Connor McDavid Continues Strong Olympic Run
Canada closed the preliminary round with a 10-2 win against France on Sunday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The team finished first in Group A with a 3-0 record and secured a direct spot in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
The offense came from all parts of the lineup, with fifteen players getting on the score sheet. The group also kept a strong goal difference, which helped them stay ahead of other top teams.
Sidney Crosby played a big part in the win, recording a goal and two assists in the first two periods. Those points moved him past Jarome Iginla for the most Olympic points by a Canadian player in the NHL era.
Crosby has handled both scoring and defensive duties well, and his line has not allowed a goal so far. His role as captain has remained important as the team moves into the next stage.
After the game, Crosby spoke about how the team has come together. He said moments like these help players understand that they are “in it together.”
“That’s one of the special parts when you get opportunities like this,” Crosby said, via NHL. “You see just how close the team gets, how guys come together and how much they understand as soon as you put this jersey on, regardless of where you played before or what’s happened in the past, you’re in it together.”
While Crosby has moved up the record list, Connor McDavid has been driving the offense in this tournament. He leads all players with nine points through three games, with two goals and seven assists.
McDavid also recorded three points in each of the three games, a first for the Olympics that include NHL players. His playmaking has been important for Canada’s top line.
McDavid also set a new Canadian record for most points in a single Olympic tournament with NHL players, passing Jonathan Toews. He tied the old mark with an assist in the second period against France and then moved ahead with a goal in the third period. His line with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson has created chances in every game. At times, he has also played with Nathan MacKinnon to push the offense further.
Canada has not only scored goals but also controlled play in its own zone. Goaltender Jordan Binnington has made the saves needed, and the defense has limited chances.
Canada will now prepare for the quarterfinals after earning a bye. With Crosby leading the group and McDavid producing at a high level, the team remains one of the top contenders for the gold medal.
