Nathan MacKinnon among two players absent from Team Canada practice before Olympic quarterfinal
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
While the return of Josh Morrissey and Brad Marchand brought a wave of optimism this morning, a gray cloud has suddenly darkened Team Canada’s sky.
Insider Pierre LeBrun has just reported news that instantly raises questions: Nathan MacKinnon is not present at the team’s practice.
He’s not the only one absent either, as forward Sam Bennett is also missing.
Let’s be honest, Bennett’s absence can be explained in several ways, but MacKinnon’s is particularly concerning.
Number 29 is known as a true practice machine, a player with an obsessive work ethic who almost never misses an opportunity to hit the ice.
Let’s call it like it is, seeing one of the best player's in the world skip a session on the eve of an Olympic quarterfinal is not insignificant.
Lingering effects from the game against France?
Immediately, it’s impossible not to think back to the vicious hit he took in the game against France, courtesy of Pierre Crinon.
"Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett absent from Canada’s practice.
MacKinnon took hard hits to chin and knee vs. France on Sunday. He said he was fine postgame."
- Luke Fox
MacKinnon took hard hits to chin and knee vs. France on Sunday. He said he was fine postgame."
- Luke Fox
Even though he finished the game, did the medical staff detect something delayed this morning? Or is this simply a preventive treatment day to ensure he’s at 100 percent tomorrow?
It’s simple: the organization’s silence for now leaves room for interpretation and a certain level of anxiety among fans.
We all know Canada can hardly afford to be without its main offensive engine in do-or-die games.
Jon Cooper is expected to provide an update later today, but until then, we’re holding our breath hoping this is nothing more than a precautionary measure.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Jon Cooper’s Marchand decision raises credibility questions before quarterfinal
Jon Cooper’s Marchand decision raises credibility questions before quarterfinal