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Canadian captain returns to practice after knee hit
Marie-Philip Poulin skated with her teammates at practice in Italy on Thursday, a cautiously hopeful sign after she left a preliminary-round game with a right-knee issue. The 34-year-old captain exited Canada’s 5-1 win over Czechia midshift after a hard hit into the boards, then missed the next two games — against the United States and Finland — while medical staff monitored her condition.
Coaches and doctors ran a battery of evaluations during practice but stopped short of giving a return date. Canada’s lineup for Saturday’s elimination game against Germany remains unsettled as coaches draw up tactics and line combinations without confirmation of Poulin’s availability. Team sources called her on-ice work encouraging, but stressed the focus is on limiting minutes and avoiding contact until staff have clearer answers. Tournament protocols and long-term fitness are shaping every decision.
Team response and next steps
During the Czechia game Poulin tried to continue after the hit but came off during a power play for assessment. She later returned to the bench but did not re-enter. Since then, the staff have taken a conservative tack: she has sat out matches while receiving treatment and undergoing on-ice tests to gauge readiness.
Medical evaluation and on-ice tests
Sideline checks zeroed in on pain levels, range of motion and joint stability. Further imaging and clinical examinations followed the initial findings. On the ice, Poulin progressed through controlled skating drills, incremental load-bearing work and sport-specific movements intended to mimic game demands without exposing her to full contact.
A multidisciplinary team — physicians, physiotherapists and strength coaches — is steering the process. They’re following a staged return-to-play protocol that prioritizes symptom resolution and objective performance markers over a quick comeback. Daily reassessments during practice provide real-time feedback: staff described the trials as encouraging, but not definitive. Coach Troy Ryan has said additional evaluation and “an extra couple of days” of care could be useful, and that final selection decisions will reflect medical guidance and Poulin’s own readiness.
Implications for Canada’s quarterfinal and lineup planning
Poulin’s uncertain status complicates immediate lineup choices for the quarterfinal. Her presence would affect special teams, power-play structure and shifts that require on-ice leadership; her absence forces role adjustments and added minutes for others. Coaches are outlining contingency plans — shifting power-play formations, redistributing top-line minutes and assigning experienced forwards to stabilize pressure situations.
Selection will hinge on medical clearance and functional testing, specifically under contact conditions. Staff have been clear they won’t green-light full game contact until objective measures and daily reassessments support it. The aim is to balance competitive needs with a player-first medical approach.
Team reaction and morale
Within the locker room the mood has been pragmatic. Players and staff are focused on preparation rather than speculation, and teammates have visibly supported Poulin during her rehab and on-ice testing. For instance, Daryl Watts and others said Poulin’s presence in practice lifted spirits and provided a boost to collective confidence, even if she’s not yet cleared to play. The quarterfinal will test Canada’s depth and adaptability — and how well those contingency plans hold up under single-elimination pressure.
What to watch before puck drop
Watch three signals in the hours leading to the game: official medical clearance, whether Poulin joins the pre-game warmup, and if she sustains contact during the final practice sessions. Coaches’ language matters too — talk of “collaboration” with medical staff and staged returns usually indicates a cautious path. Clear, decisive comments about readiness would point toward a graded reintegration.
Ultimately, the decision will weigh short-term medal hopes against Poulin’s long-term health and career. Canada’s group-stage performance suggests the roster has resilience and depth, but any final call will come from the medical team in consultation with the player and coaching staff. Expect updates as the match approaches.