OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-Canada showcase depth and talent to reinforce gold medal credentials

MILAN – Canada’s mix of experience and youth was on full display Sunday as they overwhelmed France 10-2 in Olympic men’s ice hockey, with Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and teenage star Macklin Celebrini leading the charge.

The victory reinforced Canada’s status as favorites for Olympic gold, blending proven leadership with the confidence of their youngest standout, Celebrini.

The 19-year-old scored twice and added an assist, bringing his tournament total to six points in three games. His performance ties Evgeni Malkin’s 2006 record for most points by a teenager at an Olympic tournament featuring NHL players. Celebrini also became the first Canadian—and third player overall—to score on a penalty shot in an Olympics with NHL participation, calmly converting in the second period to make it 5-1.

“I’ve been working on that move a little bit in practice,” Celebrini said. “Thankfully it worked.” Asked about the historic moment, he added, “I wasn’t really thinking much.”

Canada’s 38-year-old captain Crosby, playing in his third Olympics, finished the game with a goal and two assists, making him the Canadian with the most points in an Olympic tournament with NHL players.

“Obviously, as a kid, that’s what you dream of,” Crosby said. “Every game is so important. It’s a short-term event like this, and you’ve got to make sure you get wins and get better with every game.”

McDavid recorded a goal and two assists, including his seventh helper of the tournament. With nine points overall, the Edmonton Oilers captain leads the tournament scoring table.

“The team’s playing well. We’re in a good place right now,” McDavid said.

Canada’s depth was clear throughout the game, with goals from Devon Toews, Bo Horvat, Brandon Hagel, Mark Stone, and Cale Makar. Stone scored shorthanded, while Makar added a power-play goal, leaving no doubt about Canada’s dominance.

Even with the lopsided score and a perfect group-stage record, Crosby said there is still room to improve.

“You can always get better,” he said. “The teams are so good, they don’t need a lot to create opportunities. We’ve got to make sure we execute well.”

With the knockout rounds starting Tuesday, Canada looks set to finish atop the first-round standings, pending the U.S. game against Germany later Sunday.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Milan; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters