Marie-Philip Poulin, a key player for the Canadian women's hockey team, participated in a practice session on Friday as the team prepared for its quarterfinal match against Germany in the Milan Cortina Olympics. Poulin's condition has been a point of concern, especially after she sustained a knee injury from an awkward hit during a preliminary round game against Czechia, leading to her absence from subsequent matches against the United States and Finland. This raises questions about her ability to compete in the critical elimination game.

The 34-year-old center had initially continued playing after the injury but was quickly sidelined. Her contributions are vital for the Canadian team, which is striving for success in the tournament. Canada enjoyed a strong preliminary round, but the loss to the U.S. underlines the need for all hands on deck as they face tougher competition in the knockout stage. Poulin’s leadership and skill will be crucial for the team's strategy against Germany.

As the quarterfinals approach, Poulin expressed uncertainty about her availability, indicating that her decision will likely depend on pain levels and her ability to perform at her best. The Canadian team will hope for a swift recovery given the significance of this match in their pursuit of Olympic gold, adding to the excitement and tension surrounding the upcoming game.