Having Cale Makar could be a difference-maker for Canada in 4 Nations final

Team Canada was without defenseman Cale Makar during their 3-1 loss to Team USA last Saturday, but the 2022 Norris Trophy winner will be in the lineup Thursday night as the two teams square off in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.

In Canada’s first game against Team Sweden, Makar controlled the pace of play and created several scoring chances. With Canada only scoring one goal against the U.S. in their first game, it was clear the Canadian team desperately needed Makar’s playmaking abilities on the blue line. With him in the lineup for Thursday, he might be what they need to win the tournament.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk are live from Boston for the championship game between Canada and the U.S. They discuss Makar being in the lineup for the final and if it could be the difference.

Frank Seravalli: Look, the big game changer is Cale Makar. I know that goes without saying, but the fact he’s in and he wasn’t in on Saturday, to me, that does do enough to tip the scales. You’re also taking Charlie McAvoy out for the U.S.

When you see Makar control the game on Monday against Finland, it’s just another reminder of how much they missed a true game changer like him on Saturday against the U.S. I think that’s a massive development for Canada. It’s been talked about, but not nearly enough. I’m telling you, it’s a material change in the way I think about this game.

Tyler Yaremchuk: You talked about that early power play Saturday night. Hey, if Makar is out there, and not that Josh Morrissey is a slouch, but maybe if Makar is on that power play, maybe it goes differently?

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…