MILAN – Jordan Binnington delivered a performance for the ages on Thursday, backstopping Team Canada to a commanding 5-0 shutout victory over Team Czechia in their Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 opener. The St. Louis Blues goaltender, who has been the subject of debate regarding Canada’s starting netminder, emphatically justified coach Jon Cooper’s faith, making 26 saves in a display of dominance at Santagiulia Arena.
The win marks a strong start for Canada, who are aiming for their third consecutive Olympic gold medal featuring NHL players. They previously triumphed in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014. The NHL’s absence from the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games adds further weight to this opportunity for Canadian hockey supremacy.
“Well, probably about 358 days ago,” Cooper quipped when asked about his decision to start Binnington, referencing the goaltender’s championship performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year. “In the end you have to perform.” And perform he did, silencing any lingering doubts about his ability to handle the pressure of the Olympic stage.
Canada’s offensive firepower proved too much for Team Czechia to contain. Macklin Celebrini, Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki all found the back of the net, showcasing the depth and skill that defines Canada’s roster. Connor McDavid orchestrated the attack with three assists, while Sidney Crosby and Thomas Harley each contributed two assists.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Team Czechia’s goaltender, Lukas Dostal, put forth a valiant effort, stopping 31 of 36 shots. Czechia captain Radko Gudas, who plays alongside Dostal for the Anaheim Ducks, praised his teammate’s performance. “He showed it last the few times he played at international level, he shows me every game in Anaheim that he is a world-class goalie,” Gudas said. “We are happy to have him back there. If we are going to have some success he is going to be a big reason why we are still in this tournament. He made some key saves for us and I feel bad we couldn’t help him out more today.”
The shutout was particularly notable as it extended a remarkable streak for Canadian goaltenders in Olympic openers. While the specific historical context wasn’t detailed, the result underscores Canada’s consistent strength in net during the Games.
The game wasn’t without its individual storylines. For Canada, the performance of Celebrini, a highly touted prospect, will undoubtedly fuel further excitement around his potential. McDavid’s three assists further cement his status as one of the world’s premier playmakers. For Team Czechia, Dostal’s strong showing, despite the loss, provides a foundation of confidence for future games.
The result places Canada atop Group A, while Team Czechia will look to rebound in their next contest. The Canadians will aim to maintain their momentum as they navigate the group stage, knowing that every game carries significant weight in the pursuit of Olympic gold. The shutout victory serves as a powerful statement of intent, signaling that Canada is a force to be reckoned with in Milan.
The Canadian offense was relentless, consistently testing Dostal and ultimately breaking through his defenses with a variety of skillful plays. The power play also proved effective, contributing to the scoring outburst. Canada’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain sustained pressure throughout the game was a key factor in their victory.
Team Czechia, while ultimately outmatched, demonstrated resilience and a commitment to defensive play. However, they struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure and were unable to exploit Canada’s defensive vulnerabilities. The team will need to find ways to create more scoring chances and improve their puck possession in order to compete with the tournament’s top contenders.
The game also highlighted the importance of special teams. Canada’s power play was a significant advantage, while Team Czechia’s penalty kill struggled to contain the Canadian attack. Special teams often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Olympic hockey games, and this contest was no exception.
Looking ahead, Canada will face a challenging schedule as they continue their quest for gold. They will need to maintain their focus and intensity in every game, knowing that any slip-up could derail their championship aspirations. Team Czechia, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this disappointing loss. Their ability to overcome adversity will be a key test of their character and resilience.
