The men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament is finally in the knockout stage.
Team Canada is set to play Czechia in the quarters after their win over Denmark on Feb. 17. However, the country could be without one of its top players as Nathan MacKinnon missed practice.
MacKinnon was seen in pain on Team Canada’s bench during its 10-2 blowout win over France on Feb. 15. Despite missing practice on Feb. 17, MacKinnon is expected to play in the quarters, Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper revealed.
“Zero concern,” Cooper said about MacKinnon possibly missing the quarters due to injury. “There is a lot of stuff going on, maintenance day for guys. I expect to have everyone healthy, especially him.”
MacKinnon is a key part of Team Canada, so the hope is that he will be able to play in the quarters and continue to make an impact.
In the Olympic tournament, MacKinnon has 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 3 games for Team Canada.
Sidney Crosby Expects MacKinnon to Play
Although MacKinnon is likely dealing with a minor injury, Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby has full confidence MacKinnon will play in the quarters.
“I don’t think I’ve ever questioned it once. I know how much he loves the game,” Crosby said about MacKinnon. “He’ll play through anything.”
MacKinnon was a huge part of Canada winning the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, and if they are going to win Olympic gold, they will need him to be healthy.
MacKinnon has 40 goals and 53 assists for 93 points in 55 games this season for the Colorado Avalanche, as he’s second in the NHL in points.
Team Canada Could Get Marchand & Morrissey Back
Although MacKinnon didn’t practice, Cooper is confident he will be in the lineup for the quarters on Feb. 18.
Meanwhile, Team Canada could also get forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Josh Morrissey back in the lineup as well. Marchand was scratched for the final two games as he’s been dealing with an injury, but Cooper confirmed he’ll play in the quarterfinals.
“Sometimes you’ve got to take care of the body, see the big picture and make sure you’re ready for the important times,” Marchand said. “That’s all it was.”
If Marchand doesn’t play, he plans to do whatever he can to help the team be prepared for the quarters.
“To be honest, coming in, I didn’t think I would be in the lineup,” Marchand said. “I thought I would be an extra guy and be a voice and try to be loud and obnoxious in the room. So, I mean, I’m just so proud and honoured to be part of this group. It doesn’t matter if you get in the lineup or not. Everybody is just as important and has a role to play.”
Morrissey, meanwhile, left Team Canada’s group stage opener against Czechia due to an injury. He returned to practice, and Cooper is hopeful he can be back in the lineup for the quarters, but if not, it will be soon.
“That was a big thing for him to get out here today,” Cooper said. “In my opinion, he looked great but after I talk to him, we’ll see.”
Morrissey, meanwhile, said he’s just taking it day by day but is feeling much better.
“Just taking it day by day,” Morrissey said after practice. “Had a good practice here. Just trying to get ready for the rest of the tournament the best I can.”
Team Canada will face Czechia in the quarterfinals on Feb. 18 at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Will Nathan MacKinnon Play in Quarters for Team Canada after Missing Practice?