Canada faces Finland in men’s hockey semis without Sidney Crosby, leaning on Marner, McDavid, and Celebrini to fight for gold.
Canada’s Men’s Hockey Faces Finland With One Eye on Gold
The tension across Canada is palpable. After a nail-biting quarterfinal win over Czechia, the men’s hockey team now gears up to face Finland in the semifinals. Victory would punch their ticket to the Olympic gold medal game on Sunday, keeping hopes alive for fans from coast to coast.
But there’s a major twist: Captain Canada, Sidney Crosby, will not skate in Friday’s matchup.
Crosby Out, But Team Spirit Remains
Hockey Canada confirmed Crosby’s absence for the semifinal, though Head Coach Jon Cooper hasn’t ruled out a return later in the tournament. Despite the setback, Crosby was seen on the ice Friday morning, signalling he may still be ready if needed.
With Crosby sidelined, the team will lean heavily on forward Nick Suzuki, who will centre Mark Stone and Mitch Marner. Top minutes will likely go to 19-year-old Vancouver native Macklin Celebrini, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid—a combination that blends youth, skill, and experience.
“Jon Cooper will probably stick with his best players, play them the most, and keep it simple. There isn’t time to experiment with lines between games,” said Sportsnet 650 host Mike Halford.
Rising to the Challenge
Canada’s quarterfinal against Czechia was a rollercoaster. The team trailed twice and spent 21 minutes behind on the scoreboard before rallying to an overtime victory. Losing Crosby mid-game could have derailed them entirely, but the team adapted, showing resilience and determination.
Halford notes that the squad may even use Crosby’s absence as motivation: “They might play ‘one for the Gipper’ style, rallying behind their captain, even if he isn’t on the ice.”
Not the Favourite Anymore?
While Canada started the tournament as a top favourite, Halford suggests the United States now holds a slight edge thanks to their strong defensive lineup, including stars Quinn Hughes and Jaccob Slavin.
“Canada still has incredible talent and depth, but injuries and fatigue have narrowed the margin,” he explained. “If it comes down to gold, it could be razor-thin.”
MacKinnon and Finland Pose Tests
Nathan MacKinnon’s role may shift to the wing alongside McDavid and Celebrini, allowing him to use his speed and power without carrying full line responsibilities. He’ll need to push through any lingering ailments to keep Canada competitive.
Finland, on the other hand, thrives in close games. They excel at building leads and defending them but also have a knack for rallying back when behind. Canada will need to strike early and play smart if they hope to topple a disciplined Finnish side.
A Final Push for Gold
Only two men’s hockey games remain at the Olympics. Canada’s path to gold now hinges on adapting without Crosby, relying on their depth, and staying resilient under pressure. If they can harness the energy from their quarterfinal comeback, the dream of Olympic glory remains alive.
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