Mikael Granlund, who served as the captain of the Finnish national team during the Olympic tournament, is sidelined with an upper body injury sustained during the bronze medal match against Slovakia. Granlund was pushed into the boards by Patrik Koch, leading to concerns that he may have gone through a concussion protocol, although he managed to finish the shift and return briefly for the medal ceremony. His status raises concerns for the Anaheim Ducks as they navigate critical playoff positioning in the NHL.

Despite Granlund's absence, the Ducks recently achieved a crucial 5-4 overtime victory against the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing their resilience even without key players. The game-winning goal was scored by Chris Kreider, assisted by Beckett Sennecken, which allowed the Ducks to maintain a competitive edge in the race for the playoffs. Granlund's injury adds another layer of difficulty for the team as they strive to secure their postseason spot with multiple teams closely behind them.

Granlund's situation contributes to a broader narrative in the NHL regarding player health and safety, particularly regarding head injuries. As teams face mounting pressures to perform and secure playoff positions, incidents like this highlight the importance of adhering to concussion protocols and prioritizing long-term player health over short-term gains. The Ducks' ability to adapt without their captain will be critical in the games ahead, especially as other players like Ville Heinola are also stepping into new roles during this intense period of the season.