By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
‘It’s not a story’: Cooper pumps Canada’s goalies in face of doubters
MILAN — Jon Cooper wants to rip up your opinion column on Team Canada’s iffy Olympic goaltending before it’s even written.
“I understand people have to write about stuff. But our guys go through a wall for them and they do the same for us,” Cooper says, during the coach’s most impassioned answer since touching down in Milan.
“To me, it’s not a story. I don’t know where it comes from.”
Where it comes from is, Canada’s presumptive starter, Jordan Binnington, having a horrible season in the NHL. The St. Louis Blues netminder’s eight wins, 3.65 goals-against average and .864 save percentage rank last among the 12 Canadian goalies who have appeared in at least 20 games.
Where it comes from is, projected No. 2, Logan Thompson (19-16-4), being an excellent late bloomer who won his Stanley Cup ring as a backup and who has never backstopped an NHL team past Round 2 of the playoffs.
Where it comes from is, Darcy Kuemper (14-11-9) losing more games than he’s won this season with Los Angeles, never appearing in best-on-best action, and running with a pedestrian .900 save percentage.
Heck, not one of Canada’s three options in net has won more games than he’s lost in 2025-26.
Surefire Hall of Famers like Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, and Carey Price, they are not.
“To me, Carey Price goes down as one of the greatest goalies, for sure, of his generation and of all time. He was a winner. We have those guys,” Cooper argues.
“Some of these guys may not go down as generational goaltenders, but they’re Stanley Cup winners. They have championship pedigree. They’ve made the big saves at the times they’ve needed to. I watched that in Darcy Kuemper in my own building in Tampa (during the 2022 Cup Final). I watched it in Jordan Binnington. I’ve watched Logan Thompson the last two years. Like, they’re as good as anybody. And what they’ve done for us not only last year but as teammates, I mean, we have all the faith in the world in them.”
Binnington was a non-story story heading into 2025’s 4 Nations Face-Off as well. All he did was gain confidence as that sprint of a tournament rolled on. Then stand on his head in a next-goal-wins versus Team USA, making 31 stops, six of them in the fourth period.
“He made probably three or four all-world saves early in overtime to allow us to score the goal,” Connor McDavid said that golden night. “So, all credit to him, honestly. Hopefully, some of those haters will back off him, because, honestly, he played great.”
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Which is why Cooper (who leaned on Binnington exclusively in ’25) and general manager Doug Armstrong (who owes his own Blues Cup ring to Binnington) will likely give him the gig until he loses it.
“He proved everything I felt about him, right? The biggest stage, at the biggest moment, at the biggest time, he delivered,” Cooper says. “There’s just some guys that got the it factor.”
Clutch can trump statistics and analysis.
Which is why Armstrong, too, is ear-muffing the doubters.
“Well, I just go back to January last year, hearing the same things, and saw how that turned out,” Armstrong says. “So, it made me quite comfortable.”
Inside and outside the Milano bubble, everyone is at ease with Canada’s firepower up front. Rolling McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby at centre ice is murderer’s row stuff.
But if the favoured country gets undone by a lack of saves, more ink will be spilled.
“Everyone always just says how they think the goaltending is the weakest part,” Thompson says. “It’s been the word for the last couple of years. I don’t see it that way. I don’t think we see it that way. But for some reason, everyone else does.”
Unlike the 4 Nations, the Olympic tournament allows more time for goalies to be switched out or lose their footing. Heck, Canada opens with a back-to-back against Czechia (Thursday) and Switzerland (Friday), so two guys will get a look off the hop.
Remember, Curtis Joseph started in net for Canada in 2002, gave up five goals in a loss, then got supplanted by Brodeur, who backstopped the country to gold.
In 2010, Brodeur started the tournament only to be replaced by Luongo for the gold medal game.
As long as one stud seizes the net — and provided that goalie is identified early enough — Canada will be fine.
“I’m not worried about it,” Thompson says. “I’m just out here having fun in practice, and if my number is called, I’ll be ready to go.
“Excited to go out there and prove everyone wrong.”
Adds Kuemper: “We just all prepare like we’re going to be playing. And whoever gets a nod, we’re there either to play or to support the guy. And that’s part of a team game.”
So what if Binnington has lost his past six starts and 11 of his past 12 in North America? Who cares if he’s posted a sub-.880 save percentage in 10 of those?
He is treating the tournament like a fresh slate and the criticism as fuel.
“That’s something I’ve used as motivation. That’s just part of sports, is people are going to doubt you, and it’s how you handle it. For me, it’s just staying in my own process and building my game and trying to get better every day, every year, and seeing where it takes me,” Binnington says.
“This is a completely different environment. It’s been in the back of our minds or in our minds for the last six, eight months plus. The moment is here, and it’s about just letting go, playing free and playing your style.”
For the sake of a nation, that style must resemble the winner-take-all version of Binnington and not his recent regular-season style.
“There’s always something to talk about out there. I think for us, it’s just sticking together and whoever’s in there is just supporting and pushing each other. It’s been fun so far,” Binnington says.
“We’re just working at it day to day, and we’ll see how it all plays out.”
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Canada is back on the podium in ice dance.
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier captured the bronze medal in ice dance figure skating after the free skate routines on Wednesday.
It is Canada’s first medal in figure skating at these Games and Canada’s first in ice dance since Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won gold at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang.
Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France won the gold medal, while Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States won silver.
Shakur Stevenson received high praise from most of the boxing world for his recent victory over Teofimo Lopez but one legend from the sport wasn’t as impressed as everybody else.
Stevenson defeated Lopez by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden in New York last month, winning the WBO super-lightweight title and becoming a four-division world champion in the process.
The 28-year-old dominated the action as the three judges all scored the bout 119-109 in his favour, as Lopez struggled to cope with his opponent’s ability.
Many big stars have commended Stevenson for his win, suggesting that he could go on to be one of the most exciting names in the entire sport, but Hall of Fame inductee James Toney doesn’t seem to agree with that sentiment.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Toney felt the win over Lopez was boring, insisting that Stevenson isn’t as impressive as he was during his own career.
“I saw the first six rounds. It was boring. He doesn’t do it like I did it. If he did it like I did, combinations and punches and putting stuff together, he would be exciting, but it was [boring]. He needs to get the dog in him.”
Toney was a three-division world champion during his illustrious career, one weight class fewer than what Stevenson has managed thus far.
‘Lights Out’ won 77 of his 92 fights, 47 of those by knockout, giving him a KO percentage of 61%. Stevenson is unbeaten at 25-0, with 11 wins by stoppage, with his KO percentage standing at 44%, and it appears Toney would want to see that improved in the future.
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New England Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, thanked God for the team’s incredible season after its crushing Super Bowl LX loss.
The Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in the Super Bowl, and the wife of the second-year Patriots quarterback reflected on the season with an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Not how we wanted it to end, but still thanking God for this incredible season,” Maye posted with a heart emoji to Instagram.
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Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots kisses his wife Ann Michael Maye prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, 2026. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“We are blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people who made this season what it was. This is only the beginning!!”
Both members of the Maye couple became stars in their own right. Drake finished second in the MVP voting following a breakout season, while Ann Michael became a TikTok star for her baking skills.
Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots hugs his wife Ann Michael Maye prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, 2026. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
She began her “Bakemas” series on Dec. 1 and baked something every day leading up to Christmas. She now has more than 578,000 followers on the app, propelled by her baking videos.
Drake, on the other hand, had a fantastic regular season. The 23-year-old completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, along with 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
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Drake Maye (10) of the New England Patriots and his wife, Ann Michael Maye, pose for a photo prior to the game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
However, in the playoffs, he was not nearly as effective. In four games, Maye completed 58.3% of his passes for 828 yards with six touchdowns, four interceptions and seven fumbles while being sacked 21 times.
The 23-year-old was dynamic with his legs, rushing for 178 yards with one touchdown in the playoffs.
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Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson miss out on becoming the first British figure skaters in 32 years to win an Olympic medal, as they fail to make the ice dance podium.
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Rickea Jackson, the WNBA player listed as the alleged victim of a domestic violence incident involving Atlanta Falcons player James Pearce Jr., said she is “willing to testify” if need be.
Pearce, a rising star who nearly won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was arrested near Miami on Saturday after allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car following what police said was a domestic dispute with Jackson.
Jackson’s attorneys requested the court to conclude the case “as soon as practicable and bring justice to her and the people of the State of Florida” by using “all possible resources and personnel,” documents said, via ESPN.
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Rickea Jackson said she is “willing to testify” against James Pearce Jr. following an alleged domestic dispute recently. (Andrew J. Clark, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“The victim is pleading with the Court and the State to conclude this matter promptly without hindering the efficacy of the prosecution’s case,” the attorneys wrote.
Pearce is facing several felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police.
Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into another car being driven by his girlfriend and struck a police officer while he tried to flee law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office.
The alleged victim told police that she noticed Pearce was following her in a white luxury vehicle and when she stopped at a red light, the NFL player tried to open her vehicle. The victim said she started to drive toward the Doral Police Department, while Pearce allegedly followed her. As she got closer to the station, she said Pearce cut her off and collided with her head on.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, on Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
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Doral police officers responded to the scene, according to ESPN. An officer reportedly pulled a gun on Pearce to try to force him to get on the ground and end the incident, but he allegedly got back into his car and drove away. He allegedly struck an officer as he drove away.
Pearce later crashed his vehicle and was accused of resisting arrest.
Pearce’s attorneys say the Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story.”
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
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“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well,” the attorneys added.
Pearce posted $20,000 bail. He finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was at the NFL Honors on Thursday night in California.
Jackson, a member of the Los Angeles Sparks, finished ninth in MVP voting this past season after averaging 14.7 points, a new career-high.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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James Milner has equalled the Premier League all-time appearance record after coming off the bench for Brighton against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
The former Leeds United, Newcastle, Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder has gone level with former team-mate Gareth Barry on 653 top-flight appearances.
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The 40-year-old is likely to become the solo record-holder should he feature in Brighton’s next Premier League match at Brentford on 21 February.
Who has James Milner played for?
[Getty Images]
Milner has played for six Premier League clubs – Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Leeds United, and current side Brighton and Hove Albion.
It was at boyhood club Leeds where Milner made his name, becoming the second-youngest player to feature in the Premier League when he made his debut against West Ham aged 16 years and 309 days.
He also spent time at third-tier Swindon Town on loan – scoring two goals in a short six-game spell.
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After Leeds were relegated, Milner made the switch to Newcastle, before later moving to Villa Park in a £12m deal.
His form at Aston Villa attracted the attention of England and Milner was called up for the first time by Fabio Capello for a friendly against Netherlands.
Gaining a reputation as a versatile midfield option, Manchester City brought Milner to the club – winning the FA Cup in his first season and the Premier League a year later.
The bulk of his appearances then came at Liverpool – where he moved on a free transfer in 2015 – making 230 appearances under Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.
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Milner’s greatest triumph came when Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 and a year later played a key role in helping the club win the Premier League – the Reds’ first league title in 30 years.
How often has Milner come off the bench?
Who is in the ‘500 club’ of Premier League appearances?
Only 13 players have ever appeared in more than 500 Premier League games:
*denotes a player still playing professional football.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
More questions answered…
Jai Opetaia is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut in less than four weeks’ time, but the IBF cruiserweight world champion does not know whether his title will be on the line.
Opetaia continues to campaign for cruiserweight title unifications after frustration at being unable to secure a showdown with unified WBA and WBO titleholder, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
However, to the confusion of many fans, the Aussie southpaw has recently opted to sign with Dana White’s new outfit, Zuffa Boxing – an organisation that does not recognise any of the four traditional major world titles and instead has their own belts.
Still, Opetaia remains as IBF world champion, but when his first fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner, against Brandon Glanton, was announced yesterday, there was no mention of the IBF title on the official fight poster.
In an interview with Sporting News Australia, Opetaia has now admitted that he is ‘not sure’ whether his IBF world title will be up for grabs against Glanton – who is ranked number 15 – but stated that he will defend it in the fight that follows if not against the Atlanta-born challenger.
“There is a lot of things that are happening behind the scenes and I am a proud fighter that won the IBF fair and square, and I am happy to hold that belt.
“Whether we defend it [against Glanton] or not, I am not sure, but I will be defending it. Whether it’s in this one or the next one.
“It is my mission to become undisputed, so I don’t become undisputed without the IBF as well.
“[There is no danger of me being stripped] that I know of. I don’t think there is any danger.”
Journalist Dan Rafael has said confidently that the IBF belt will be on the line, but fans await confirmation from the sanctioning body.
Opetaia-Glanton will be the headline attraction of ‘Zuffa Boxing 04’ on Sunday, March 8, in Las Vegas, with both the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title and the Ring Magazine title at stake.
The NFL has released its list of players invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
A total of 319 prospects have been invited to attend this year’s event, which will take place in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.
Among them are 43 former players from schools in the West. Oregon accounts for nine of them, followed by USC with seven. Utah and Washington each have five, and Arizona State has four. No other program has more than three.
You’ll find a breakdown by school below the list of players.
The event will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Top college prospects are invited to perform on-field drills, participate in medical exams, and meet with NFL coaches and executives. Fans can attend the free Combine Experience from February 26 to March 1, 2026.
You can view historical results for the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and bench press for players from college programs in the West at these links.
With increasing interest in the NFL Draft, the scouting combine has grown in scope and significance, allowing personnel directors to evaluate upcoming prospects in a standardized setting.
Player performances during the combine can affect their draft status and initial salary.
The draft has popularized the term “workout warrior,” whereby an average or subpar athlete’s “draft stock” is increased based on superior measurable qualities such as size, speed, and strength.
In addition to the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump, the tests also include a broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, 3-cone drill, 60-yard shuttle, and position-specific drills.
Before the drills, players go through interviews, physical measurements, injury evaluations, drug screening, and the Cybex test. (The Wonderlic test has been discontinued.)
Breakdown of Invitees by Position from Programs in the West
RUNNING BACKS
Jonah Coleman, Washington
Noah Whittington, Oregon
WIDE RECEIVERS
Malik Benson, Oregon
Denzel Boston, Washington
Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
Makai Lemon, USC
Chase Roberts, BYU
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
TIGHT ENDS
Dallen Bentley, Utah
John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
Lake McRee, USC
Sam Roush, Stanford
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Kage Casey, Boise State
Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA
Spencer Fano, Utah
Alex Harkey, Oregon
Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Caleb Lomu, Utah
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Carver Willis, Washington
Isaiah World, Oregon
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Logan Fano, Utah
Anthony Lucas, USC
Gary Smith III, UCLA
LINEBACKERS
Lander Barton, Utah
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
Eric Gentry, USC
Jack Kelly, BYU
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Jadon Canady, Oregon
Tacario Davis, Washington
Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Dalton Johnson, Arizona
Hezekiah Masses, Cal
Ephesians Prysock, Washington
Kamari Ramsey, USC
Genesis Smith, Arizona
Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Collin Wright, Stanford
Breakdown of Invitees by Programs from the West
9—Oregon
7—USC
5—Utah
5—Washington
4—ASU
3—Arizona
2—BYU
2—Stanford
2—UCLA
1—Boise State
1—Cal
1—San Diego State
1—Wyoming
Sports
T20 World Cup: Motie magic sinks England in Mumbai after Sherfane Rutherford’s 76 | Cricket News
West Indies’ players celebrate after winning an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between England and West Indies, at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie broke through England’s middle order as the West Indies secured a 30-run win in their T20 World Cup match in Mumbai on Wednesday.West Indies posted 196 for 6, built around Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 76, with support from Jason Holder in the final overs.England were bowled out for 166 in 19 overs in reply. They began the chase quickly, but Motie, who mixes left-arm orthodox and wrist spin, dismissed Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook in a spell of 3 for 33.England slipped from 85 for 2 in the eighth over to 131 for 5 in the 14th when Brook was out for 17. Sam Curran tried to keep the chase alive with 43 not out from 30 balls but ran out of partners.The result gave West Indies their second win in two matches and moved them to the top of Group C in the race for the Super Eights.England started strongly as Phil Salt took 24 runs from Jason Holder’s first over, hitting two sixes and three fours to move the score to 31 without loss after two overs. Salt made 30 before being caught by Rutherford off Romario Shepherd in the fourth over.England reached 67 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, with Jos Buttler on 15 and Bethell on 20. Buttler hit a six off Roston Chase but was caught in the deep by Rovman Powell for 21.Banton was out for 2 for the second match in a row, and when Bethell fell for 33, both to Motie, England were 90 for 4. Motie then dismissed Brook, caught and bowled for 17, leaving England 131 for 5 after 14 overs.Earlier, Rutherford and Holder added 61 runs for the sixth wicket in 32 balls. Rutherford struck seven sixes and two fours, while Holder made 33 with four sixes and a four.Rashid was England’s most effective bowler with figures of 2 for 16 from four overs.
When NHL players first went to compete in the Olympics back in 1998, it was memorable by Canadians for the wrong reasons. After a perfect preliminary round, a devastating shootout loss to Czech Republic — with Dominik Hasek at his best — ended Canada’s gold medal hopes with the visual of Wayne Gretzky left uninvolved on the bench.
From then on, however, the Canadian team has more or less been the one to beat at the Olympics.
In 2002, Canada won its gold medal with a 5-2 victory in the final against USA where Mario Lemieux and Joe Sakic had big Olympic moments. The 2006 event was forgettable for the Canadians, who struggled through the preliminary round before being shut out by Russia in the semis.
They returned to Vancouver in 2010 and, after a 1-1-1 preliminary round effort, launched from the extra game in the quarterfinal into a gold-medal game for the ages.
And in 2014 — the last with NHL involvement — the Canadians were utterly dominant. In six games total, Canada allowed just three goals against and shutout Team USA and Team Sweden in the semifinal and final to come away with gold. It was the first time a country had successfully defended its Olympic gold since the Soviet Union in 1988.
After a 12-year absence of NHL players, the best-on-best event is back at the Olympics, a moment players and fans alike have been waiting too long for. Canada returns as the favourite again, but only two players are back from the 2014 team.
What can we expect this time?
Ahead of Canada’s 2026 Olympic opener against Czechia Thursday (10:40 am ET), here are five storylines to keep in mind.
When Sidney Crosby was an NHL rookie in 2006, he didn’t make the cut for Team Canada’s Olympic entry. When he made his first Olympic roster in 2010, he was 22 years old.
Drew Doughty made the Olympic team in 2010 at 20 years of age in his second NHL season. He started as an extra man and ended the tournament on the ice in OT when Crosby scored the goal medal-winner.
This year, Macklin Celebrini became the youngest NHLer to ever be named to Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team and he is the youngest player across this year’s entire men’s tournament. The 19-year-old is in his second NHL season and arrived at the break fourth in league scoring with 81 points in 55 games.
And, to start at least, he’s being put in a great position to succeed. In the pre-tournament practices, Celebrini has been lining up next to Connor McDavid, and opposite Tom Wilson, on Canada’s top line.
In the past, Canada has often been shy to include its youngest players, leaning more towards the established veterans. There was lots of discussion about including rookie defenceman Matthew Schaefer on the 2026 Canadian team, but in the end the team went with players who have more experience and competed at last year’s 4 Nations when Schaefer was in the OHL.
That makes Celebrini’s selection all the more notable. He’s a special talent and now he’s being put on the biggest stage. How will he respond and will he be able to hang next to McDavid from beginning to end?
What does the old guard still have to offer?
At the other end of the age spectrum, we have Crosby (38) and Doughty (36) as the only returning players from the 2014 Olympic team, the last that included NHL players. Brad Marchand (35) has played for Canada at the World Championship, he was the team’s leading goal scorer at the World Cup a decade ago and made last year’s 4 Nations team. Mark Stone (33), has twice been a major offensive contributor for Canada at the World Championship, and was also part of the 4 Nations team a year ago.
All four of these players have had big tournaments wearing the maple leaf in the past, but now they represent the four oldest skaters on the 2026 Olympic team. Can they keep pace with their younger teammates? Do they have the speed to make a difference later on in the tournament when the games get tougher? The seasons each have had in the NHL so far suggest they have plenty left to offer.
Crosby is leading the Penguins in a resurgent year as they push back to the playoffs. Stone has been Vegas’ second-highest scorer and the key player on their power play despite missing 16 games. Marchand is second in scoring on an injury-riddled Panthers lineup and just had another monster playoff run last spring. Doughty leads all Kings in average ice time, but won’t have to carry such a heavy load at the Olympics.
In all likelihood, this will be the last Olympic Games for each of these players. What can they deliver?
Will Connor McDavid have a generational Golden moment?
Crosby’s 2010 gold medal-winner was a moment that resonates with an entire generation the same way Paul Henderson’s 1972 Summit Series clincher did. You remember where you were and you can probably recite the play-by-play call.
Canada’s 2014 win was so dominant that the air tight defence is what’s remembered most and the absence of NHLers ever since has robbed us of anyone else having that special national highlight.
At last year’s short 4 Nations event, McDavid had his moment, scoring the OT winner against Team USA off a pass from Mitch Marner in the championship game. It was his first opportunity for a “golden moment” and when Canada needed him most, this generation’s best player stepped up at the critical time.
Ah, but the 4 Nations doesn’t hold the same cache as the Olympics, when the whole world is watching. McDavid gets to his first Olympics as this season’s NHL scoring leader, closing the gap on Nathan MacKinnon by averaging nearly two points per game since Dec. 1. McDavid will be hungry to follow his finish from the 4 Nations, seeking his own national Olympic moment and gold medal.
Who will emerge as Canada’s No. 1 goalie?
There was enough concern about Canada’s choice of netminders heading into the 4 Nations last year because no one in the running was putting forth anything close to an award-winning season. What a change that was from a country used to seeing the likes of Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy at past best-on-best events. In the end, Jordan Binnington emerged as the No. 1 and his strong finish in the championship final still gives him momentum heading into the Olympics.
But the picture is much different this time. Only Binnington returns from the 4 Nations threesome, with Sam Montembeault and Adin Hill replaced by Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper. Statistically, Thompson stands out in the NHL this season, among the league leaders in save percentage and GAA. Meantime, Binnington is statistically one of the worst netminders in the NHL, ranking last among all goalies by Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAE).
And, to be fair, Thompson played well enough to be on Team Canada at the 4 Nations last year as well. His NHL numbers were better than any of the goalies Canada named to the team, but there were other concerns.
“They didn’t put him on the team last year because there was real concern he would not handle being a backup well,” Elliotte Friedman explained on an episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.
This time, Thompson may have the best chance to unseat Binnington as Canada’s starter by the medal round.
“It’s a dream come true,” Thompson told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti of joining Canada at the Olympics. “I’m going to just go there and soak it all in and do any role that they want me to be. Whether that’s practice goalie, backup, handing out the water bottles, I’m just going to be happy to be there and I’m going to do whatever I can to the best that I can.”
Binnington will still be a factor, at least early on. Will he lose the job? Will Thompson, or Kuemper, take it from him? Will any of them quell Canadian fears that goaltending could be the country’s undoing?
How will Tom Wilson’s game translate to international competition?
It’s always difficult to fill out the final few spots on a Canadian best-on-best hockey roster, but the knock on Wilson in the past has often related to his style of play and how it might (negatively) translate to the international game, or how it might potentially cost Canada in a critical game.
Wilson plays with an edge and he toes the line between what’s legal and illegal with the ferocity in which he attacks the opponents. Wilson has been suspended six times and fined three more times in the NHL, the last coming in March 2024. His longest was a 20-game suspension (reduced after he served 16 games) for a head check in 2018.
This season, Wilson leads the Capitals in scoring and his selection to Team Canada is indicative of how he’s evolved his game in recent seasons to be more aware of when he is crossing the line.
And, now it appears the international game is also evolving to close the gap in officiating standards between how it and NHL calls games.
“Last week, one Olympic executive said that, when IIHF officials were invited to join their NHL counterparts at last summer’s orientation camp, there was special emphasis on teaching international referees not to overreact to big hits. Will it work? We’ll find out.”
However this ultimately plays out could have a massive impact on Wilson at the Olympic tournament. Can he be the physically dominating player he is with the Capitals, or will there still be a barrier between his physical skill and how international games tend to be officiated?
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