Montreal Canadiens' Alexandre Texier Needs Strong Third Period as France Trails Switzerland 2-0

France is hanging in there at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, but time is running out for them. Switzerland maintains a comfortable 2-0 heading into the third period of their Olympic opener, a game that could have easily been a blowout given the talent disparity.

Instead, France has made the 2025 World Championship silver medalists work harder than expected for what still looks like an inevitable victory. Forward Alexandre Texier remains the only NHL talent on the French squad, and the national side is depending on him to turn this game.

Alexandre Texier remains the only hope for losing Team France

The problem for France is clear. Their attack has been largely limited to perimeter shots, unable to penetrate a stingy Swiss defense anchored by NHL veterans Roman Josi and Jonas Siegenthaler. That lack of quality chances puts even more pressure on Alexandre Texier to step up.

The Montreal Canadiens forward is France's only active NHL player on the roster, and his country needs him now more than ever. Texier has posted 18 points in 38 games this season between St. Louis and Montreal, showing he can produce at the highest level.

But translating that to the Olympic stage in Milan against elite competition is another challenge entirely. TSN's Pierre LeBrun noted during the second intermission that France needs to find more looks offensively if they want any chance of a comeback.

Much of their attack has come from low-danger areas, playing right into Switzerland's defensive structure. Switzerland entered this tournament with 10 NHL players and a championship pedigree from back-to-back World Championship finals appearances.

Their goaltending tandem of Akira Schmid, Leonardo Genoni, and Reto Berra gives them the depth to lock down games like this one. Genoni was named MVP of the 2025 World Championship after posting four shutouts in seven games. That kind of stinginess has carried over to Milan.

Even if France falls in this one, their Olympic journey is far from over. They face Czechia on Friday before a daunting matchup against Sidney Crosby and Canada on Sunday. For Texier and his teammates, these final few minutes against Switzerland represent a chance to build momentum regardless of the final score.

Slovakia already pulled an upset yesterday, and if Texier and his team can turn this game around, France will have the chance to repeat that against another powerhouse. For the Swiss, however, if they win, it signals a great start to their Olympic campaign.


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