Texier Praises Canada’s Dominance After Olympic Loss, France Faces Elimination Game
MILAN – Alexandre Texier, forward for the Montreal Canadiens and the lone NHL player on France’s Olympic roster, acknowledged the significant skill gap after his team’s 10-2 defeat to Canada on Sunday at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite the lopsided score, Texier praised Canada’s performance, stating, “I reckon we fought well… and showed character,” shortly after the match. Still, he conceded that competing against a team comprised of elite NHL stars was a different level of competition. “Sometimes, it’s not the same sport when you bring all these players together,” he said.
France will now compete in a play-in game on Tuesday to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth, while Canada advances directly to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Bellemare Receives Praise from Former Coach
The game as well saw recognition for veteran French player Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, 41, who continues to perform at a high level. Canadian coach Jon Cooper, who previously coached Bellemare with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2021 to 2013, lauded his enduring skill and work ethic. “Imagine, he’s more than twice the age of Macklin Celebrini. It’s just amazing that these two guys are on the same ice!… And he still finds a way to win every faceoff,” Cooper remarked. “He’s one of my favorites, he’s an example, this guy.”
On-Ice Altercation Leads to Ejections
The match concluded with an on-ice altercation resulting in the ejection of both Tom Wilson of Canada and Pierre Crinon of France. Fighting is prohibited at the Olympic Games, and both players were automatically expelled following the incident. Wilson intervened to defend teammate Nathan MacKinnon after Crinon delivered a dangerous hit behind the net.
Wilson’s reaction was widely supported by his Canadian teammates, particularly MacKinnon, who stated, “When you wear the same vest as him [Wilson], he will do everything for you. He’s an extraordinary teammate.”
Canada Shuffles Lines, Celebrini Shines
Canada’s coach, Jon Cooper, adjusted the team’s forward lines for the game, breaking up the highly effective trio of Macklin Celebrini, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid. Tom Wilson was moved to the top line, while MacKinnon played alongside Nick Suzuki and Brandon Hagel. Cooper explained the decision was based on the opponent and game situations. Brad Marchand was a healthy scratch but is expected to return for the next game.
Macklin Celebrini, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Mark Stone each recorded three points, with Celebrini being singled out as the most impressive forward for Canada.
Alexandre Texier’s NHL Profile
Canadiens’ Most Popular Frenchman Shifts Focus to Olympic Duty