Canada and the USA both were victorious in their 2026 Olympic debuts. Canada handed Team Czechia a 5-0 defeat behind a 26-save shutout by Jordan Binnington (STL). Canada’s 5 goals came from 5 different players, displaying their balanced yet explosive attack. To prove this point, the first goal of the tournament for Canada was scored by their youngest player, Macklin Celebrini (SJS); superstars Connor McDavid & Nathan MacKinnon only had one goal combined in the win (MacKinnon had the game’s 4th goal). It wasn’t all roses for the Canadians, however, as d-man Josh Morrissey (WPG) exited the game after the first period with an undisclosed injury. It is unclear at this point whether Morrissey will miss any time due to this issue.
Team USA likewise tallied five goals in its 5-1 victory over Team Latvia, led by two goals from Brock Nelson (COL) and three assists from Jack Hughes (NJD). Although goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) was solid he did not have to be spectacular, as the Americans outshot Latvia 38-18 in a dominating performance.
Also, Finland beat Sweden 4-1 in a heated rivalry game featuring 16 minor penalties. With this victory, Finland avoided an 0-2 start, which most likely would have ended their medal hopes (Finland lost 4-1 to Slovakia in the opener). Juuse Saros (NSH) made 34 saves for Finland.