The much-anticipated first practice for Team Canada took place on Sunday ahead of their Olympic opener. That practice revealed, among other things, the first iteration of what the team’s lineup could look like against Czechia on February 12.
In particular, Canada’s top line raised more than a few eyebrows. As Arpon Basu of The Athletic reported, coach Jon Cooper partnered Connor McDavid with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson.
That’s one heck of a top line, to be sure. But the rationale behind the line is what makes this move even more interesting. First, Wilson’s presence on the top line makes sense for one reason. McDavid, the world’s best player, needs a puck hound on Team Canada to go in and forecheck.
Therein lies the reason for Wilson. As Cooper noted, Wilson is one of the best forecheckers he’s seen.
“Listen, everybody needs an F1. And that big boy there is one of the best I’ve seen, I’ll be honest.”
The F1 or forward-one role refers to the first forward in the offensive zone. That’s the player who goes in and tries to gain control of the puck. Wilson is adept at doing just that.
The aim will be for Wilson to retrieve pucks, battle along the boards, and help McDavid get the puck. But including Celebrini on that line is another highly interesting move, to say the least.
Team Canada Counting on Celebrini’s Skill Set
The biggest reason for surprise at Celebrini playing on the top line is his age. At 19, Celebrini isn’t exactly the most seasoned forward on the team. But it was Brayden Point’s unfortunate injury that opened a spot for Celebrini.
While Celebrini is only 19, Team Canada’s bench boss believes he’s a much better player mentally.
“He’s wise beyond his years. And so I can’t sit here and look at him as this kid. I’ve been with him. I was with him at (the World Championships) and followed his path closely. And speaking with the players, this kid is wise being beyond his years.”
There’s no guarantee that Celebrini will stick with McDavid. After all, it’s been just one practice. But by the looks of things, Team Canada will have a dynamite top line.
Cooper Betting on Four Lines at Olympics
Unlike ordinary NHL games, the Olympics will demand that Team Canada roll with four lines. As Cooper underscored, the pace of the 4 Nations was well beyond the traditional pace of NHL games. That’s why the Canadian side won’t be able to get away with just two lines.
Having Celebrini and Wilson play with McDavid allows other seasoned stars to play different roles. Canada’s second line is the stuff coaches fear the most. Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone would knock anyone’s lights out on any given night.
What about the third line? Nathan MacKinnon with Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki. Talk about scoring, grit, toughness, and elite two-way play.
Speaking of elite, the fourth line figures to be Bo Horvat with Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart. Only a side with Team Canada’s depth could afford to have all three of those forwards play on the fourth line.
Such is the embarrassment of riches for Cooper. It’s also worth pointing out that lines could change in the coming days. But the first practice alone is enough to leave opposing coaches curling up in a ball.
Team Canada Makes Shocking Top-Line Combo