Canada made an important lineup decision during Friday’s Olympic Games at Milano Cortina, but that change was not surprising. The coaching staff adjusted its forward group later in the first period of the game to improve puck movement and offensive pressure.
That decision paired Nathan MacKinnon with the star forward Connor McDavid, and MacKinnon had nothing but praise for him.
Nathan MacKinnon Speaks About Playing with Connor McDavid in Canada’s Second Preliminary Game
At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Team Canada earned a 5-1 victory over Switzerland and locked first place in Group A, with 6 points. The coaching staff adjusted the top line late in the opening period, pairing MacKinnon with McDavid and Macklin Celebrini.
The move changed the pace of the game and helped Canada control the game better. Players accepted new roles, and the bench supported the shift without hesitation.
MacKinnon spoke openly about the experience after the game. He said, “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t cool. I love the game. I’m inspired by Connor. I think he’s the best.”
MacKinnon added that playing on the same line felt like “a blessing,” and he praised Celebrini’s effort and awareness.
MacKinnon on McDavid: “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t cool. I love the game. I’m inspired by Connor. I think he’s the best & he pushes me to be even better … To play on a line with him is a blessing”@TSNRyanRishaug @PierreVLeBrun on 🇨🇦 loading up👇https://t.co/0zyhzhjhQl
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 14, 2026
Coach Jon Cooper explained that the change came during a difficult stretch. He said he did not like certain moments and saw an opportunity during an offensive-zone faceoff.
“As that period went on, that first period, I didn’t love it,” Cooper said. “There was an opportunity I saw on a faceoff. They went together and showed what they needed to show.”
After the adjustment, the top generated offense, along with discipline. Cooper noted that placing three natural centers together required patience because each player prefers to control the puck.
“They are three phenomenal players, generational, these kids,” Cooper added. “But, in saying that, you don’t know how that chemistry is going to go all the time. They’re three centres.
“Now, some guys have to take a step back. Not a step back, but play a little bit out of position. And, ultimately, they are three guys that want the puck and need the puck, and there’s only one puck, and now sacrifices have to be made. But, ultimately, they did it.”
Canada opened the scoring on the power play when McDavid converted a cross-ice pass. He later set up another goal, while MacKinnon added offense through both scoring and playmaking.
Celebrini continued his strong start by scoring again, which brought goals in consecutive games for the young forward. The line drove attacks through quick passes, strong forechecking, and effective positioning in the offensive zone.
Canada responded each time Switzerland tried to exert pressure, which helped maintain control through the final period.
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Canada now prepares for its next preliminary game on Sunday against France.