Jon Cooper’s Marchand decision raises credibility questions before quarterfinal
Jon Cooper’s credibility is facing some questions this morning following pointed remarks from Alexandre Gascon on Radio-Canada.
The journalist didn’t hold back: Team Canada’s head coach flat-out lied to the media during his press conference the day before yesterday.
Cooper had stated loud and clear that Brad Marchand would be in uniform against France, only to end up having him eat popcorn in the stands.
Let’s be honest, being led down the garden path like that by the head of the national team leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the journalists covering the event.
It’s an old psychological warfare strategy: muddy the waters for the opponent, even if that opponent was France and the game meant nothing.
Now that Cooper is doubling down by announcing Marchand’s return for tomorrow’s quarterfinal, the question is legitimate: can we still believe a word he says?
Let’s call a spade a spade—this time, the context is completely different and the margin for error is nonexistent.
Did Jon Cooper play mind games — or mislead everyone?
We can agree that the game against France was a glorified practice where the result ended one way.
Cooper could afford to play mind games to rest his banged-up or tired veteran.
But for an Olympic quarterfinal, it’s a whole different ballgame: it’s “win or go home.”
Brad Marchand is known as a big-game player, the kind of warrior you want in your trench when the season is on the line.
It’s simple—if Cooper is bluffing again this time, then there’s a major injury they’re desperately trying to hide.
But logic suggests that the “little pest” will indeed be on the ice. Cooper knows he needs Marchand’s experience and edge to get through elimination games.
He may have played mind games for a meaningless matchup, but he wouldn’t risk destabilizing his locker room with false promises before a do-or-die game.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Analyst clarifies Nick Suzuki’s status ahead of the quarterfinal despite Brad Marchand’s return
Analyst clarifies Nick Suzuki’s status ahead of the quarterfinal despite Brad Marchand’s return