Crosby sets record, Wilson drops the gloves as Canada thumps France at Olympics

Sidney Crosby has yet another accolade beside his name.

The Canadian hockey icon registered a goal and two assists Sunday in a 10-2 dismantling of France as the country finished with a perfect record in the preliminary round of the men's tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The 38-year-old Crosby's three points gave him 16 for his Games career, eclipsing the national team's NHL-era record of 14 previously held by Jarome Iginla.

The league went to five Olympics between 1998 and 2014. The NHL skipped the 2018 Games for financial reasons before COVID-19 shelved a planned return four years later. Canada won gold in 2002, 2010 and 2014 with its men's stars, with Crosby playing key roles in the latter two victories.

Macklin Celebrini added a pair of goals and an assist on Sunday, while Connor McDavid and Mark Stone each scored and set up two others.

Cale Makar and Tom Wilson — both with a goal and an assist — Devon Toews, Bo Horvat and Brandon Hagel provided the rest of the offence for the Canadians (3-0-0-0), who now await the winner between Czechia and Denmark in a qualification playoff Tuesday to determine their quarterfinal opponent. Jordan Binnington had to make just 11 saves.

"Our intentions are good," Crosby said. "Still areas we want to clean up."

Wilson was also ejected for fighting Pierre Crinon in the third period after the French defender delivered a forearm to the face of Nathan MacKinnon.

"That's a big part of what we're all about," Canadian head coach Jon Cooper said. "These guys go through a wall for each other. It's fun to watch. I think we're used to a lot more than that happening.

"It was pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things, but that's Willie."

OLYMPIC HOCKEY FIGHT