Overview
- Canada blanked Czechia 5-0 behind Jordan Binnington’s 26-save shutout, with Macklin Celebrini opening the scoring and Nathan MacKinnon striking on the top power play.
- Five Canadians scored in the statement win, including Mark Stone on a Mitch Marner setup, reinforcing pre-tournament expectations of a deep, balanced contender.
- Team USA handled Latvia 5-1 after two first-period goals were overturned on review, with Brock Nelson scoring twice and Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson and captain Auston Matthews adding goals.
- Sweden topped host Italy 5-2 as Mika Zibanejad posted a goal and an assist, including a late insurance marker with 4:18 left, during a 60-shot barrage.
- Next up: Canada faces Switzerland on Friday, the United States meets Denmark on Saturday, and Sweden resumes Group B play against Finland on Friday.