Team Canada Dealt Heavy Blow As Cale Makar Ruled Out For Game vs. Team USA
Team Canada will be without arguably it's top defender as Cale Makar has been ruled out due to illness, with Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley in his place.
With Team Canada and Team USA set to do battle in Montreal, it's no doubt a heated and tense game that is sure to bring the fireworks, but it looks like the Canadians are going to have a bit harder time on Saturday night.
While he was a game-time decision earlier, Team Canada defenseman Cale Makar has officially been ruled out due to illness, with Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley replacing him.
The news was relayed by TSN NHL Hockey Insider Mark Masters.
It's a tough blow for Canada as they will be without their top offensive defenseman and it will be up to names like Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, and Harley to pick up the offensive slack.
So with Makar out for the most anticipated game in years -- what can Canada to do weather the storm?
Canada Needs A Complete Effort To Stop Team USA
It's a pretty simple game plan: Everyone work hard. This is a game where it will come down to who works best together, so there should be no bickering and arguing between teammates (McDavid and Marner specifically) and the sole focus should be making life miserable for Connor Hellebuyck.
The team can't rely solely on Sidney Crosby to run back the clock every game, and with it being such a short tournament -- they need to perform. The USA dominated Finland in their first game, and while they don't have the strongest defense compared to Canada; it's still going to be exhausting.
With the Americans very balanced throughout their lineup, it's imperative that Canada keeps the pressure high and can't allow the Tkachuk Brothers, Auston Matthews or Jack Hughes to start getting into a rhythm.
Jon Cooper also shouldn't be shy about yanking Jordan Binnington if he starts to struggle, as Canada can't settle for a rocky start from the St. Louis netminder.
The game is expected to be filled with fireworks and a passionate Bell Centre crowd will make sure that Canada has the support they need -- even without Makar.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on 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/530152.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on 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")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third 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/530107.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
