Canada Finishes Group Play Undefeated

Team Canada capped off a flawless run through the preliminary round of the men’s ice hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics with a resounding 10-2 victory over France on Sunday. The win secured a perfect 3-0-0-0 record for the Canadians.

However, the game was more than just a win; it was a historic moment for Canadian hockey icon Sidney Crosby.

Crosby Reaches New Olympic Heights

The 38-year-old Crosby registered a goal and two assists in the win, pushing his career Olympic point total to 16. This surpasses the previous record of 14 points held by Jarome Iginla, a Hall-of-Fame player and former teammate of Crosby.

Our intentions are excellent. Still areas we want to clean up.

Sidney Crosby

The record applies to Olympic Games featuring NHL players. The NHL participated in five Olympics between 1998 and 2014 and returned to the Games in 2026 after a hiatus due to financial reasons and COVID-19.

Other Standout Performances

Macklin Celebrini contributed two goals and an assist, although Connor McDavid and Mark Stone each tallied a goal and two assists. Cale Makar and Tom Wilson also found the back of the net, each adding an assist. Devon Toews, Bo Horvat, and Brandon Hagel completed the scoring for Canada.

Jordan Binnington was solid in net, making 11 saves.

Game Details & Looking Ahead

The Canadians now await their quarterfinal opponent following Tuesday’s qualification playoff. A scuffle broke out in the third period, resulting in the ejection of both Tom Wilson and Pierre Crinon after Crinon delivered a forearm to the face of Nathan MacKinnon.

These guys go through a wall for each other. It’s fun to watch. I think we’re used to a lot more than that happening.

Jon Cooper

McDavid’s three points also marked a milestone, giving him nine points across nine periods in his Olympic debut, breaking the single Games record by a Canadian NHLer previously held by Jonathan Toews.

FAQ

• Who holds the overall Olympic points record for a tournament involving NHL players? Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu share the record with 11 points, both set in 2006.
• What was Jarome Iginla’s previous record? Iginla held the record for most points by a Team Canada player in a Winter Games featuring NHL players with 14 points.
• What is Canada’s record in the preliminary round? Canada finished with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record.