Connor McDavid’s group has been really strong in the Olympics, but Coach Jon Cooper is already changing things up.
After the first game, Connor McDavid praised his teammates, Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson, a lot. It seemed like a good idea to keep the line together, but Canada is looking for even better combinations right away.
They were incredible. Both played extremely well. Wilson pressure opponents effectively, making things easier for everyone else, it was exciting to watch. Celebrini was very impressive too, keeping many plays going. He was a real threat, an excellent player.
– Connor McDavid
Oilers Connor McDavid says Wilson and Celebrini we’re great today on his line for Canada. 🇨🇦 🍁 #Oilers #nhl #hockey #Canada #Olympics #MilanoCortina2026
📹 @NHL pic.twitter.com/8amev8xCI9
— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) February 13, 2026
Team Canada moves Tom Wilson to a lower line during Game 2 of the Olympics.
Towards the end of the first period, Canada took Tom Wilson off McDavid’s line and placed him on the third line with Brandon Hagel and Nick Suzuki.
So looks like Team Canada is sticking with this change now:
MacKinnon now third time in rotation with Celebrini and McDavid on top line.
Suzuki now at center between Hagel and Wilson.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 13, 2026
Nathan MacKinnon was brought up to the first line to play with McDavid, forming an incredibly powerful line that will be hard for any team to defend against in the tournament.
it took roughly 1.5 games for tom wilson to lose his spot on mcdavid’s line.
— zach (@zjlaing) February 13, 2026
Wilson has done well for Canada in the tournament, making lots of room for his teammates, as McDavid noted. This change might not be a punishment for Wilson, but instead a way to help the third line perform better. Suzuki had been having a hard time on the wing but is now returning to his main position at center.
With Canada spreading their players out evenly, this lineup change makes the team stronger overall. Wilson will contribute a lot to the bottom part of the lineup, while MacKinnon joining McDavid creates a fantastic threat.
As the tournament continues, Canada will probably make even more lineup changes, looking to find the perfect groups that could help them win a Gold Medal.
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