In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Team Canada overwhelmed France with a resounding 10-2 victory during their preliminary round match at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The win not only ensured Canada finished the round undefeated but also positioned them favourably for the upcoming playoff rounds, with an impressive goal differential that may prove crucial in determining match-ups.
A Confident Start for Canada
Even before the puck dropped, Louis Boudon, a forward for France, expressed an understanding of his team’s underdog status going into the match. “Canada is probably the best team of the tournament. They have the best squad on paper… We’re going to have to come out even harder and just try to make it hard for them and see what happens,” Boudon remarked. His sentiments were soon put to the test, as Canada wasted no time showcasing their offensive prowess.
The Canadian squad, boasting an array of NHL talent, started strong, outshooting their opponents 8-2 early in the first period. Tom Wilson opened the scoring just under nine minutes into the match, capitalising on a rebound from a Drew Doughty shot. However, France responded almost immediately, with Justin Addamo intercepting a pass and setting up Floran Douay to level the score just 13 seconds later.
Canada Takes Control
That moment appeared to ignite Canada’s competitive spirit. Just 40 seconds after the French equaliser, Sidney Crosby orchestrated a brilliant three-on-one break. He deftly assisted Devon Toews, who found the back of the net, restoring Canada’s lead. The momentum continued to swing in Canada’s favour, with Mark Stone converting on a shorthanded breakaway just before the end of the first period, leaving the score at 3-1.
As the second period unfolded, Canada extended their lead with a power-play goal from Cale Makar, who fired a precise shot past French goaltender Julian Junca. The floodgates opened further as 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini was awarded a penalty shot, which he skillfully converted, bringing the tally to 5-1.
Crosby continued to make history during the match, as a deflected pass off a French defender resulted in his 15th Olympic point, marking him as the all-time leading scorer among NHL players for Team Canada in Olympic history.
A Relentless Offence
Despite Junca’s notable efforts in goal, including a spectacular save from a Wilson shot, he was eventually replaced by Antoine Keller after Canada dominated the shot count with 33-7 by the end of the second period. However, the Canadian onslaught did not relent. Just 20 seconds into the third period, Connor McDavid slipped a backhand past Keller, pushing the score to 7-1.
France managed to score a second goal through Sacha Treille, but Canada swiftly retaliated with further goals from Bo Horvat and Brandon Hagel, bringing the score to a staggering 9-2. Celebrini capped off the match with his second goal, sealing the victory at 10-2.
Physicality and Sportsmanship
The third period saw the game take a more physical turn, with tensions rising as Pierre Crinon attempted to confront Wilson for a high hit on Nathan MacKinnon. The intensity of the match highlighted the competitive spirit typical of Olympic hockey, where national pride is at stake.
Despite the heavy defeat, France’s roster includes players with NHL experience, such as Alexandre Texier and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. Boudon had acknowledged the uphill challenge his team faced, stating, “We know a lot of these teams don’t respect us. We don’t really care… We try to show up and do our best.”
Why it Matters
This victory not only solidifies Canada’s dominance in the preliminary round but also sets the stage for a promising playoff run. With a goal differential of 17 and a total of 20 goals scored, Canada has positioned itself as a formidable contender for the gold medal. The strategic importance of securing first place in their group cannot be understated, as it likely affords them a more advantageous path through the knockout stages. As the tournament progresses, the pressure will mount, but Canada’s blend of experience and youthful talent will be a key asset in their quest for Olympic glory.
