Sunday wrapped up the Olympic prelims for men’s hockey, and the participants taking part representing the Colorado Avalanche. Four games wrapped up the prelims stage, setting up the last week of elimination games.

Team Switzerland vs. Team Czechia

The early-morning game was the best of the day, as Martin Necas and Czechia fell to the Swiss in overtime, 4–3. Necas would have his say, though, on how the game ended.

Down late, the Czechs had the netminder pulled, looking for the equalizer. Necas sniped home the game-tying goal with just over two minutes to go before his team fell in the extra frame.

Czechia was led by Necas, who added two assists in this game. He ends the prelims with five points, joint for third-most points in the opening games. They ended up finishing third in Group A with three points.

Team Canada vs. Team France

The Canadians gave it to the French with a dominant 10–2 victory to wrap up the prelims. All three Avs players for Canada recorded points, which included the first Olympic goals for both Devon Toews and Cale Makar.

Their goals from the blue line meant every single Avs player in the tournament has scored at least one goal. Nathan MacKinnon also tacked on an assist against France. However, MacKinnon had a scare when a player elbowed him with a hit behind the net late on. He continued on okay, while Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson fought the instigator for the hit later on.

Canada’s huge win put them atop Group A and earned them the top seed. Therefore, they skip the playoff rounds and will wait for their opponent in the quarterfinals.

But the story of the tournament continues to be Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks. Former Avs forward Pierre-Édouard Bellemare had tons of positive things to say about the youngest Canadian on the roster.

Team USA vs. Team Germany

Thanks to the Canadians’ big win earlier in the day, the US had to win by at least 10 goals over Germany to earn the top spot. While they didn’t win by enough, they took down Germany 5–1. Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews scored two goals in the win.

Brock Nelson, the only Avs participant, didn’t score any points and only took one shot on goal. His one shot, though, was a dangerous one. He almost scored a shorthanded goal and almost set up Detroit Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin right afterward.

Nonetheless, the US took Group C handily and wrapped up the prelims in style. The fourth game of the day, which saw no Avs participants, saw Team Denmark take down Team Latvia 4–2.

Up Next

Teams will get a rest day, some more than others, with the playoffs taking place leading up to the quarterfinals. The four teams earning byes include Canada, Slovakia, the US, and Finland.

Meanwhile, the playoffs will see the respective seeds play each other, hoping to make it to the quarterfinals. You can find the schedule below.