Canada sent a terrifying message to the rest of the hockey world at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Sunday. The team dismantled France with a crushing 10-2 victory to remain undefeated in Group A preliminary play. While the double-digit scoreline was impressive, the night truly belonged to one man.
Sidney Crosby has once again etched his name into the history books. The captain delivered a vintage performance that fans will talk about for decades. It was not just another win. It was a celebration of a living legend cementing his legacy on international ice.
A Milestone Years in the Making
The atmosphere in Milan was electric even before the puck dropped. Canada entered the game looking to build momentum, but all eyes were on number 87. Sidney Crosby needed a big night to reach a historic benchmark. He delivered exactly that.
Crosby recorded three points against the French squad. He scored one goal and added two beautiful assists. These three points raised his career Olympic total to 16 points. This new total officially moves Crosby past Jarome Iginla for the most points by any Canadian in Winter Olympics featuring NHL players.
It is a record that speaks to his longevity and dominance.
Here is how the top Canadian scorers compare in the NHL Olympic era:
| Player | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney Crosby | 16 | 6 | 10 | 16 |
| Jarome Iginla | 19 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| Jonathan Toews | 13 | 2 | 9 | 11 |
| Shea Weber | 13 | 5 | 6 | 11 |
Iginla held the record for years. His performance in 2002 and his assist on Crosby’s “Golden Goal” in 2010 are legendary. Passing him is no small feat.
Crosby has played in the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2014 Sochi Games. He missed chances in 2018 and 2022 because the NHL did not participate. Now back on the biggest stage in 2026, he is making up for lost time.
“Oh Captain my Captain,” one fan wrote on social media moments after the record broke.
The reaction was instant. Fans know they are watching the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in sports history.
The Next Generation Steps Up
Crosby was not the only star shining on Sunday. The beauty of this Canadian roster is the mix of wisdom and youth. While the captain set records, the teenagers put on a show.
Macklin Celebrini was absolutely spectacular.
The 19-year-old phenom netted two goals against France. He looked dangerous every time he touched the puck. Celebrini represents the future of Hockey Canada. Watching him play on the same line as Crosby felt like a passing of the torch.
Nine different players found the back of the net for Canada. This depth is what makes them the gold medal favorites. The French defense simply had no answer for the waves of attack. Every line contributed. The defense moved the puck quickly. The goaltending was solid when needed.
It is rare to see a team click this well so early in a tournament.
Total Domination in Group A
Canada is now 3-0 in preliminary play. They are not just winning games. They are destroying the competition.
The statistics are staggering. Through three games, Canada has scored 20 goals. They have allowed only 3 goals against. That gives them a goal differential of +17.
Canada joins the United States as the only unbeaten team left in the tournament.
This sets up a potential clash of titans later in the medal rounds. The Americans have looked strong, but Canada looks like a machine. The 10-2 win over France was their most complete game yet. They controlled the faceoff circle. They dominated possession. They capitalized on power plays.
The French team tried to play physical. They tried to clog the neutral zone. Nothing worked. Canada was too fast and too smart.
Key Game Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Canada 45, France 18
- Power Play: Canada 3/4
- Faceoff Wins: Canada 68%
This level of play sends a warning to teams like Sweden and Finland. If you want gold, you have to go through this Canadian juggernaut.
Emotional Reactions and Viral Moments
The game had plenty of social media buzz. Beyond the score, fans loved the graphics and the celebration of Crosby.
Social media platforms like X exploded with tributes.
“OH I LOVE THE GRAPHIC,” a user commented regarding the broadcast overlay showing Crosby passing Iginla.
It is these moments that connect the fans at home with the action in Milan. The Olympics are about national pride. Seeing a hero like Crosby succeed brings the country together.
There is also a sense of relief.
Expectations for Canada are always sky-high. Anything less than gold is considered a failure. Starting 3-0 eases the nerves. It shows that the coaching staff has the right plan. It shows the players have bought into the system.
However, the job is not done.
The preliminary round is just the warmup. The elimination games will bring more pressure. One bad bounce can end the dream. But right now, with Crosby leading the way and kids like Celebrini scoring at will, confidence is at an all-time high.
Canada looks ready for anyone.
The hockey world is watching. The records are falling. The goals are piling up. And Sidney Crosby is once again the center of the universe.
The roadmap to gold is clear. Keep feeding the young guns. Let the captain lead. Play hard for 60 minutes. If they keep playing like they did against France, the national anthem will be playing on the final day of the Games.
We are witnessing history in Milan. Enjoy every shift.
Canada decimated France 10-2 to improve to a perfect 3-0 record in the Olympic group stage. The highlight of the game was captain Sidney Crosby recording three points to surpass Jarome Iginla as the all-time leading scorer for Canada in the NHL Olympic era with 16 total points. Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini also starred with two goals. Canada has outscored opponents 20-3 so far and looks like the team to beat as they head toward the medal rounds.
