Brad Marchand likely to play as Canada strides into Olympic semifinal with lineup shifting
brad marchand practiced without limitation and is expected to be available as Team Canada tightens its roster heading into the elimination rounds after a 4-3 overtime quarterfinal win over Czechia.
Brad Marchand cleared in practice and ready for important games
Coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Marchand is available and "likely will play" after being held out of the last two preliminary games against Switzerland and France for body maintenance. Marchand said the decision to sit was a group choice to "take care of the body" and "make sure you're ready for the important times, " comments he made following the practice that he completed without limitation.
Bennett returns from illness; Crosby’s status remains day to day
Forward Sam Bennett revealed he missed Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win over Czechia because he was dealing with an illness. Bennett was back on the ice for Thursday’s optional skate and said he is feeling much better and ready to play any role the coaching staff asks of him. That win set up Friday’s semifinal against Finland, a game for which captain Sidney Crosby has not been ruled out after exiting the quarterfinal in the second period with an apparent lower-body injury. "We’re taking this day by day, and we’re not going to put anybody in harm’s way, " Cooper said. "But if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more again in 24 hours. "
Defence looks closer to full strength as Morrissey skates
Defenceman Josh Morrissey skated on Thursday and could return after missing recent games with an undisclosed injury; he worked alongside Colton Parayko in practice. Cooper said Morrissey looked great in practice, but that he would confirm availability after speaking with the player. Travis Sanheim has stepped into the lineup in Morrissey’s absence and had been paired with Shea Theodore during the preliminary round.
The national team practiced with the same top two forward lines used in the first three games: Connor McDavid between Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson, and Sidney Crosby centering Mark Stone and Mitch Marner. With Nathan MacKinnon held off the ice earlier for maintenance, Nick Suzuki centered the third line for a spell, but MacKinnon is expected to return to his usual spot when available.
brad marchand’s return to full practice carries immediate roster implications: he was listed on the left wing of the fourth line with Bo Horvat at center and Seth Jarvis on the right, giving the coaching staff the option to insert an experienced depth winger into a do-or-die semifinal matchup.
Jordan Binnington remains the expected starting goalie heading into the elimination round, though the lineup scratches and backup choices were not finalized following Thursday’s skate.
Canada’s next confirmed on-ice assignment is Friday’s semifinal against Finland. Team they will reassess player statuses in the 24 hours leading up to puck drop and make final lineup decisions then.
