Canada Finalizes Lineup Against Czechia for Olympic Hockey Quarterfinals
Canada’s men’s hockey team is gearing up for a crucial quarterfinal match against Czechia. This clash is part of the Winter Olympics and is set to take place Wednesday at 10:40 a.m. ET (7:40 a.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on CBC Gem and Sportsnet+.
Team Updates for Quarterfinals
In terms of personnel, Canada is facing some challenges. Josh Morrissey will miss his third consecutive game due to injury. The top-four defenceman had participated fully in practice the day prior, leading to some surprise over his absence.
Sam Bennett is also dealing with injuries and did not partake in Tuesday’s practice. Both players practiced Wednesday morning but will not be part of the lineup against the Czech Republic.
Returning Players
On a positive note, Brad Marchand is set to return to the ice. Suffering from an undisclosed injury leading up to the tournament, Marchand last played during the opener. Coach Jon Cooper emphasized that Marchand’s absence was to ensure he could participate in this knockout stage.
Projected Lineup for Canada
As Team Canada faces the underdog Czechs, here’s how the projected lineup appears:
- Celebrini – McDavid – Wilson
- Hagel – MacKinnon – Suzuki
- Marner – Crosby – Stone
- Marchand – Horvat – Reinhart
Player Health and Preparation
Nathan MacKinnon also faced challenges during the tournament, taking two hard hits in Canada’s previous game against France. However, Coach Cooper expressed complete confidence in MacKinnon’s readiness for the quarterfinal match.
As the team prepares for this pivotal game, all eyes will be on the players’ performance and health. Team Canada aims to advance past Czechia and continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
