In the highly anticipated Olympic opener held at the Santa Giulia Arena in Milan, Canada faced off against the Czech Republic in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Despite the presence of notable NHL players on the Czech team, including David Pastrnak and Tomas Hertl, Canada showcased their strength, ultimately securing a convincing 5-0 victory. The game saw effective contributions from multiple players, with Connor McDavid notching three assists and Sidney Crosby contributing two assists, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Canadian team.

The standout performer of the match was goaltender Jordan Binnington, who achieved a shutout with 26 saves, effectively neutralizing the Czech stars. After the match, Binnington praised his team's defensive play, attributing his success to the effort of his teammates in maintaining clear sightlines to the puck. This performance comes as a significant relief for the Canadian team, as Binnington's status as the starting goalie had been a major concern leading up to the tournament.

Binnington, currently amid one of the worst seasons of his NHL career, faced skepticism regarding his ability to lead the Canadian team into the Olympic competition. However, his impressive display and the overall team effort in Milan not only solidified his position but also raised expectations for Canada as they continue in the tournament, suggesting that the team may be a formidable contender for the gold medal despite earlier doubts.