What Shea Theodore’s injury means for Canada’s defence
The only sour note from an excellent opener to the 4 Nations Face-Off was Shea Theodore’s injury. Elliotte Friedman explains what the injury means for Canada’s blue line.
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MONTREAL — Okay, quickie Thursday night/Friday morning blog:
What a night in Montreal. Everything was phenomenal — from Mario Lemieux to Canada’s powerplay to the Swedish comeback to outstanding goaltending heroics to 10-minute three-on-three overtime to vintage Sidney Crosby.
Vince Gilligan didn’t write anything this good.
Only one sour note. Canada lost Shea Theodore barely 20 minutes into the tournament when he was checked into the boards by Adrian Kempe. Nothing dirty, no intent to injure, but Theodore is out for the remaining games. Head coach Jon Cooper called it “a big blow,” adding the defenceman was right there congratulating teammates after the overtime win.
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Tournament rules indicate Theodore cannot be replaced now that the puck has dropped. Travis Sanheim will replace Theodore Saturday night versus the United States. However, the day before the 4 Nations began, there was a meeting where the nightmare scenario was discussed: What happens if a team was decimated by injuries? No way you can ask these countries to play high-intensity games shorthanded.
So here’s what we are looking at: Canada will be allowed to put a defenceman or two “on notice,” so if there’s another injury (hope not), one will be able to join when the series switches to Boston. Since these players may be away on vacation, proper notice is necessary.
Again, hopefully, none of this will be necessary. But, if you were worried players wouldn’t care about this tournament, you have your answer. Competition is fierce.
