Canada vs. France: A 2026 Olympic Hockey Showdown
The ice is set, the crowd is roaring, and the highly anticipated men’s hockey match between Canada and France is underway at the 2026 Winter Olympics! This preliminary play game promises excitement, skill, and a battle for positioning as the tournament progresses. Canada, heavily favored with a 99% win probability and an expected scoreline of 6.5-1.1, is looking to dominate and secure a top seed, potentially relying on goal differential.
First Period Action
The first period was a whirlwind of action! Tom Wilson opened the scoring for Canada, igniting the Canadian fans. However, France quickly responded, with Floran Douay finding the back of the net just 13 seconds later, silencing the arena momentarily. Canada wasn’t deterred, retaking the lead less than a minute later thanks to a goal from Devon Toews.
P1 7:55 – Canada 2, France 1 The pace is relentless. Canada maintains offensive pressure, with Nick Suzuki and Devon Toews creating opportunities. Junca, France’s goaltender, continues to stand tall, denying several Canadian attempts.
Connor McDavid is showcasing his exceptional skill, currently leading the tournament in scoring with seven points after assisting on Wilson’s goal. His playmaking ability is a key factor for Canada’s offensive success.
P1 10:27 – Canada 2, France 1 Sidney Crosby delivered a beautiful feed to Devon Toews, who capitalized on a 3-on-1 opportunity, putting Canada back in the lead.
P1 11:06 – Canada 1, France 1 What a response from France! Addamo’s shot created a rebound that Douay expertly converted, tying the game just seconds after Canada’s goal.
P1 11:19 – Canada 1, France 0 Canada breaks the tie! Drew Doughty’s shot deflected off Junca, and Tom Wilson was there to bury the rebound, giving Canada the initial lead.
France successfully killed off a Canada power play, a significant achievement largely thanks to the stellar performance of their goaltender, Julian Junca, who is celebrating his 28th birthday today.
P1 12:15 – Canada 0, France 0 Nathan MacKinnon nearly scored, hitting the post with a shot on a wide-open net. The Colorado Avalanche star came incredibly close to giving Canada the lead.
P1 13:48 – Canada 0, France 0 A holding penalty against France’s Crinon gives Canada their first power play of the game.
P1 14:35 – Canada 0, France 0 Cale Makar’s speed is on full display, but his shot hits the crossbar, keeping the score level.
The Atmosphere & Expectations
Even against France, the excitement surrounding a Canadian hockey game is palpable. The energy is electric, reminiscent of legendary teams like the 1992 American Dream Team, though perhaps not quite reaching that iconic status. It’s a fantastic way to spend a Sunday morning for hockey fans worldwide.
Canada is currently outshooting France 8-2, but the score remains tight. France is playing with determination, and Julian Junca is proving to be a formidable opponent in net.
Stay tuned for further updates as the game progresses! We’ll continue to bring you live highlights, key plays, and expert analysis from this thrilling Canada vs. France Olympic hockey matchup.
You can find more information about the Olympics at the official Olympics website.
