Team Canada's Cale Makar Suffers Setback During Four Nations Face-Off
Team Canada is going to have a tough time if they don't have Cale Makar in the fold against the USA as the star defenseman is still a game-time decision.
The Canadian squad is already down one defenseman as Shea Theodore is out of the tournament after suffering an injury against Sweden in the opening game. They called up Thomas Harley is response -- but his playing time depends on another factor.
Cale Makar has been dealing with an illness over the past couple of days and while coach Jon Cooper is positive that Makar is going to play -- it's still a game-time decision according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger.
It's going to be a tough ride for the Canadians if Makar is unavailable, and will need to rely on other pieces like Devon Toews and Josh Morrissey for offensive support -- and if Harley plays, hope he shows up.
So with Team Canada resting on a game-time decision from Makar -- what is the game plan heading into tonight's matchup?
Team Canada vs. Team USA: Battle Of The Behemoths
Canada is going to be in rough shape if Makar is out, and while they certainly have the pieces in place to weather a USA storm front -- it's not going to be easy.
The US team dismantled Team Finland in their first game 6-1, and with a complete effort from Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, and a typically fantastic start from Vezina-hopeful Connor Hellebuyck.
Canada needed overtime to beat Sweden and while they held a 3-1 lead at one point in the game, the Tre Kronor fought their way back to tie the game. Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner was the hero, and helped Sidney Crosby keep his perfect record as Canadian captain intact.
With Hellebuyck starting for the American side, Canada will counter with Jordan Binnington which is probably their best chance against the US although if he struggles at any point -- expect Adin Hill to quickly take the reigns.
There's no doubt going to be fireworks on Saturday night as the hotly anticipated matchup between Canada and the USA takes place from the Bell Centre in Montreal.
The game is scheduled to start at 8PM ET.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529741.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
