Imagine witnessing hockey legends rewriting Olympic history right before your eyes—that’s exactly what happened when Canada’s powerhouse duo, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, dominated the ice with three points each. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Canada celebrated a 5-1 victory over Switzerland to clinch Group A at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the game took a somber turn when Swiss star Kevin Fiala was stretchered off the ice after a collision. Was it a clean play or a moment that crossed the line? Let’s dive in.
By Bill Price, NHL.com Editor-in-Chief (@BillPriceNHL)
February 13, 2026
MILAN—Canada’s Olympic hockey campaign continued its unstoppable march on Friday at Santagiulia Arena, thanks to MacKinnon and McDavid’s relentless performance. Each player notched a goal and two assists, solidifying Canada’s position as a tournament favorite. Macklin Celebrini, the rising star, added a goal and an assist, while Thomas Harley and Sidney Crosby also found the net. Goaltender Logan Thompson stood tall with 24 saves, ensuring Canada’s 2-0-0-0 record and a quarterfinal bye.
And this is the part most people miss: McDavid’s six points in just two games made him the first player in Olympic history with NHL participation to achieve five or more points in his first two games. Cale Makar’s two assists further highlighted Canada’s depth, as they now prepare to face Italy in their preliminary round finale on Sunday.
Switzerland, led by Pius Suter’s lone goal and Akira Schmid’s 34 saves, fought valiantly but fell to 1-0-1-0. The Swiss will face Czechia on Sunday, with the winner potentially securing a bye. The tournament format sends the three group winners and the next-best team directly to the quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams enter a single-elimination playoff starting Tuesday.
Canada’s dominance began early, with McDavid orchestrating two quick goals. On a power play, he capitalized on a slick cross-ice pass from MacKinnon, firing a wrist shot past Schmid at 5:45. Just minutes later, McDavid set up Harley for a five-hole goal, extending the lead to 2-0 at 10:54.
Switzerland briefly rallied at 12:42 during their first power play. Sven Andrighetto’s one-timer deflected off Thompson’s glove, hit the crossbar, and landed at Suter’s feet for an easy rebound goal. Notably, this was Canada’s first goal allowed in an NHL-participating Olympics since 2014—a staggering 237:01 minutes of shutout hockey.
Celebrini restored Canada’s two-goal lead early in the second period, one-timing a no-look backhand pass from MacKinnon at 4:14. Crosby joined the scoring party in the third period, redirecting Mitch Marner’s pass at 7:28 for his first goal of the tournament. MacKinnon sealed the deal at 13:03, capping off a stellar performance by the newly formed line of MacKinnon, McDavid, and Celebrini.
The game’s most unsettling moment came with 2:50 remaining when Fiala collided with Canada’s Tom Wilson along the boards. The Swiss forward was immobilized and removed from the ice on a stretcher, leaving fans and players alike holding their breath. Updates on his condition are still pending.
Here’s the question that’ll spark debate: As physicality ramps up in Olympic hockey, where do we draw the line between hard play and dangerous contact? Share your thoughts below—was Wilson’s hit fair game or a step too far? One thing’s for sure: this tournament is far from over, and the drama is only just beginning.
