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3 Reasons Team Canada Should Be the Olympic Favourite

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 6:28 PM ET

When it comes to predicting Olympic hockey, everyone loves a contrarian take. Team USA has its stars, Team Sweden has its system, and Team Finland always shows up. But Team Canada remains the team to beat. Forget stats, charts, and theoretical arguments. Once the puck drops, Team Canada is primed to bring home the gold medal.

Reason One: Team Canada’s Goaltending Finds Magic in the Moment

Numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Jordan Binnington isn’t leading the NHL in save percentage this season. By the book, he might not even be Canada’s top-five Olympic option. But in high-pressure situations, he’s almost always magical.

During the 2019 Stanley Cup Final with St. Louis, he was the difference-maker. Same with the 4 Nations Face-Off. When the stakes are high, Binnington makes the saves that matter, and Canada’s gold hopes ride on that kind of performance. In a tournament where one bad game can end the dream, that sort of reliability—even if it defies the stats—matters more than you might think.

Reason Two: Team Canada Has Star Power to Burn

Team Canada can hang its touque on Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Sidney Crosby. Any combination of those players will ice the kind of talent that can turn a game around in a heartbeat. McDavid has been unstoppable, riding an amazing 16-game point streak.

Any of these players can become the star of their own highlight package. At least one is bound to step up and carry Canada through key moments. This is a team built to grab the big moments. Expect them to do just that.

Reason Three: Team Canada Has a Proven Track Record in Best-on-Best Hockey

The Canadians have been here before and usually come out on top. They’ve won the last four best-on-best tournaments, from World Championships to the 4 Nations Cup. Although people love to talk about Team Canada’s “weak spots,” when comparing player-for-player, Canada still looks strong.

When it matters most, they just get the job done. That said, history guarantees nothing. But betting against Team Canada seems pure folly. This is a team that consistently shows up and finishes the job.

The Bottom Line for Team Canada

Nothing’s guaranteed at the Olympics—upsets happen fast. But Team Canada combines experience, elite talent, and that magic touch in big moments. Right now, they’re the team other teams hope somehow to catch off guard.

Watching them chase gold? That’s going to be fun.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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