Marie-Philip Poulin, the veteran captain of the Canadian women's hockey team, has been ruled out of the highly anticipated game against their U.S. rivals due to a lower-body injury. This injury occurred during the first period of a game against Czechia, where she was hit by Kristyna Kaltounkova. Although Poulin briefly returned to the ice after the hit, the team has confirmed that she will be day-to-day regarding her recovery, leaving her status uncertain for upcoming matches.

Poulin's absence is a significant concern for Team Canada as they aim to defend their Olympic title at the Milano-Cortina Games. The captain has been a pivotal player for the Canadian team, and without her leadership and skill, the team's chances against a strong U.S. squad could be compromised. Canada is currently undefeated in the tournament, with a 2-0 record, but facing the United States is always a critical match, adding pressure on the remaining players to step up in her absence.

As Team Canada prepares for this crucial game, the focus will be on adapting strategies without their captain. The team has already experienced triumph, winning decisively against Czechia, but the challenge posed by the U.S. will require all players to perform at their best. The implications of Poulin's injury extend beyond just this match; her recovery timeline will be closely monitored as Canada seeks to reclaim gold in women's hockey.