MacKinnon scores, Makar adds an assist as Team Canada rolls in opener

Colorado Avalanche superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar helped Team Canada roll in its Olympic opener on Thursday.

MacKinnon scored a power-play goal, Makar added an assist and Canada throttled Team Czechia 5-0 to move to 1-0 on the tournament.

Makar’s assist came very late in the first period with the game tied 0-0. He fired a puck from the point and San Jose Sharks young phenom Macklin Celebrini tipped it in to give Canada the lead.

MACKLIN CELEBRINI GOAL. CALE MAKAR ASSIST.

Team Canada grabs their first goal of the Winter Olympics! pic.twitter.com/Y9g95czCNp

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

MacKinnon actually scored earlier in the frame, but it was called back due to a penalty on Nick Suzuki. Avalanche fans can relate to that, as it feels like a lot of goals have been taken off the board this season.

But never fear, MacKinnon got his revenge in the third period. With Canada skating a man up, Oilers star Connor McDavid hit MacKinnon on a perfect pass across the crease. Colorado’s Hart Trophy favorite had no problem finding the back of the net to make it 4-0. Sidney Crosby earned the other assist, making for a cool moment.

Avs forward Martin Necas was on the other side for Czechia and did have a shot on goal, but they were outmatched by the tournament favorites. Colorado defenseman Devon Toews was on the ice for two of Canada’s goals, finishing a plus-two in the contest.

It was a nice start for MacKinnon, Makar and the rest of the team. The quest for a gold medal took an easy first step, with Canada back in action on Friday against Team Switzerland.

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