Timo Meier's Memorable Olympic Debut Powers Switzerland to Victory
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils made his Olympic debut unforgettable by scoring two crucial goals, propelling Switzerland to a decisive 4-0 win over France in their Group A opener. The match took place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Thursday, marking a dominant start for the Swiss team in the tournament.
Switzerland's Commanding Performance
From the opening puck drop, Switzerland established control, outshooting France 40-26 and never allowing the game to become competitive. The Swiss forward group, led by Meier's four shots on goal, showcased relentless offensive pressure. Despite a quiet first two periods for Meier, Switzerland built a 2-0 lead, setting the stage for his third-period heroics.
At 10:08 in the third period, captain Roman Josi executed a perfect play, circling behind the French net and feeding Meier for an easy tap-in, extending the lead to 3-0. Meier added his second goal at 16:13 with a powerful shot from the left circle that beat goaltender Antoine Keller through the pads. This performance highlighted Meier's ability to capitalize on key moments, cementing his role as a pivotal player for Switzerland.
Leonardo Genoni's Historic Shutout
Between the pipes, 38-year-old goaltender Leonardo Genoni delivered an impenetrable performance, recording a 26-save shutout. This achievement made him the oldest goalie in the NHL/Olympic era to secure a shutout at the Games, adding to his impressive championship pedigree. Genoni has previously backstopped Switzerland to silver medals at the past two IIHF World Championships and was named MVP of the 2025 tournament, where he posted a 0.99 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Switzerland wasted no time asserting dominance, with Damien Riat opening the scoring just 55 seconds into the game on a power-play goal, burying a rebound from Sven Andrighetto's initial shot. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser quickly followed, making it 2-0 at 3:06 of the first period with a precise wrist shot from the left circle. These early goals demoralized the French team and set a fast-paced tempo that Switzerland maintained throughout the match.
France's Struggles in Return to Olympics
France, competing in its first Olympics since the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, faced significant challenges in generating quality scoring opportunities. Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier, the lone NHL player on the French roster, was held pointless, reflecting the team's offensive struggles. Goaltender Antoine Keller made 36 saves in a valiant effort, but France went 0-for-4 on the power play, failing to capitalize on key chances.
Looking Ahead to Next Matches
Both teams are set to return to action on Friday, with Switzerland facing a significant step up in competition against Canada at 3:10 PM ET. This match will test Switzerland's momentum and defensive strength against a top-tier opponent. Meanwhile, France looks to rebound against Czechia at 10:40 AM ET, hoping to secure a win and analyze opponents' weaknesses for future games. The outcomes of these matches will be crucial in shaping the Group A standings and setting the stage for the knockout rounds.
Key Takeaways from the Game:
- Timo Meier's two goals in his Olympic debut were instrumental in Switzerland's 4-0 victory.
- Leonardo Genoni's shutout made history as the oldest goalie to achieve this feat in the NHL/Olympic era.
- Switzerland's early goals and consistent pressure overwhelmed France, who struggled offensively.
- France's return to the Olympics after a long hiatus highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for future matches.
