Canadian superstar Nathan MacKinnon openly stated: “I was an idiot!”
MILANO.
Canada opened the Olympics with a convincing 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
The big stars were big right away. Superteen Macklin Celebrini scored the opening goal, Nathan MacKinnon also found the net once, Cale Makar collected one assist, Sidney Crosby two, and Connor McDavid three.
After the match, MacKinnon gave diplomatic praise to the Czech Republic for their good effort.
– It was fast and physical. The Czech Republic hit hard in the first period. It was great hockey. The first period was fast, a bit chaotic. That’s just how it goes, MacKinnon said.
Celebrini is the youngest player on Team Canada, just 19 years old. His teammates have alternately marveled at the maturity of the San Jose Sharks’ star.
– He is so young. If you didn’t know how old he is, you would never guess. He believes in his game, his preparation for the game, it’s impressive for someone his age. Everyone can learn from him, even though he is only 19.
30-year-old MacKinnon was asked directly if he could have imagined himself at the Olympics among the best players at 19 years old.
– No, no. Not at all. I was an idiot. I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t mature enough, I wasn’t enough of anything, MacKinnon said very openly.
Canada’s praised power play also got to work right away. Three power play opportunities produced one goal. Crosby and McDavid set it up, and MacKinnon scored into an empty net.
SuomiKiekko asked MacKinnon if it is downright unfair to others when the aforementioned trio and Makar are on the power play.
– And [Sam] Reinhart. He probably has the most power play goals in the NHL over the last couple of seasons. I just go to the net, and I don’t have to do much in front of the goal, MacKinnon said.
SuomiKiekko also asked what it’s like to play in such a fantasy power play.
– I think it has the best defenseman of all time and two of the top five players of all time on the other side. I just try to make space for them.
Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila
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