Canada hopeful Cale Makar can play against Finland on Monday
In the post-game press conference, after Canada fell to the United States 3-1 in their second game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper stated that he is hopeful that defenseman Cale Makar can play in the team’s do-or-die game against Finland on Monday night, but he isn’t sure yet.
Cooper said he was hopeful that Cale Makar can play vs. Finland on Monday but doesn’t know yet.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 16, 2025Makar was a late scratch from the Canadian lineup on Saturday due to illness, making way for Dallas Stars defender Thomas Harley to jump into the six-man blue line just over an hour before puck drop. His absence was noticeable on Canada’s two power plays, both of which were unsuccessful, as the superstar top unit didn’t have the Norris Trophy winner manning the point.
Harley played pretty well, considering his situation. He was called to join the team in Boston after fellow defenseman Shea Theodore was knocked out of the tournament with an upper-body injury in Canada’s overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday. Harley then made his way to Montreal after Makar missed practice due to the aforementioned bug.
The young defender was a -1 in the loss, registering 18:17 of ice time, putting two shots on goal, blocking three shots, and delivering a hit in the physical affair.
Against Sweden in the tournament opener, Makar led all Canadian skaters with just over 28 minutes in ice time in which he finished with two shots and three blocks.
With the Avalanche this season, Makar has made 57 appearances in which he has collected 22 goals with 41 assists for 63 points to sit first in scoring among NHL defensemen.
Canada (1-1-0) can clinch a spot in the championship game, and get a shot at redemption against the U.S., with a regulation win against Finland in Boston. If they only win in overtime or a shootout, Canada will have to rely on the Americans not to lose to Sweden in regulation in the nightcap.