Jon Cooper on Connor McDavid's six points in two Olympic games for Canada: "These are the best players in the world, and he is finding a way to rise above"

"Your job as a coach is to put the team in the best situation to succeed. Take away the fact that they're all phenomenal players and number-one picks; many times, it doesn't work. There has to be chemistry between the group. Those are three guys who need the puck, and there is only one puck out there. I have to admit there was a lot of unselfishness between those guys."

"Well, they found it. You can't get caught looking for the extra play. You get an A chance, and you turn it into a B chance. Listen, who is it for me to sit here and take away from the talent? You want to let these guys go. You want to let them breathe. But they have to do it where they're taking risk out of their game and aren't trying to manufacture things that aren't there."

Team Canada beat Switzerland 5-1 to clinch top spot in Group A at the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament. Coaching choices weighed combining top talent against the need for chemistry and role clarity, since multiple puck-needy players can conflict. The high-powered line showed unselfishness and strong off-puck play, shifting momentum when the game was close. The line avoided forced plays, took available chances, and relied on finishers to convert. Connor McDavid produced six points through two games, demonstrating elite skill and a mission-driven performance that elevated the team.

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