Team Canada makes surprise last-minute call on Marie-Philip Poulin before Germany quarterfinal
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn ImagesTeam Canada makes a surprise call on Marie-Philip Poulin for quarterfinal vs Germany
This is the major news of the day in women’s hockey: captain Marie-Philip Poulin is making her long-awaited return to play today.
Sportsnet reported that the best player in the world will be in the lineup for the matchup against Germany.
We can all agree that seeing number 29 on the ice is always great news for Canadian fans.
However, this early return is raising a few eyebrows, especially among those who follow the team closely.
Journalist Karine Hains even expressed her reservations, hoping this isn’t a management mistake.
"Sportsnet just reported that Poulin will be in the lineup against Germany. I hope this is not a mistake...given the fact the odds will be much higher later in the tournament.."
- Karine Hains
- Karine Hains
Let’s be honest, Germany isn’t exactly a powerhouse that absolutely requires “Pou” to be in the lineup.
Why risk the health of your best asset in a preliminary-round game against a beatable opponent?
The stakes will be infinitely higher later in the tournament, when the medals are on the line.
A risky gamble moving forward?
That’s where the debate heats up: is the coaching staff unnecessarily playing with fire?
We know Poulin is a fierce competitor who wants to play every second, but sometimes you have to protect her from herself.
If she aggravates her injury today, they’ll be kicking themselves when the United States is on the other side.
It’s a double-edged sword: she needs to get her legs back, but the risk of a setback is very real.
Let’s hope this return was fully cleared by the medical staff and isn’t an emotional decision.
Canada needs a Marie-Philip Poulin at the top of her game for the final, not on crutches at the end of the bench.
We’ll be watching her ice time very closely, fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Two more players injured after Canada-Switzerland clash, including possible concussion
Two more players injured after Canada-Switzerland clash, including possible concussion