Tage Thompson returns to USA practice while Canada awaits news on Sidney Crosby
Photo credit: Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images
Team USA got a huge boost towards their gold medal chances as Tage Thompson was seen skating after leaving the semi-final vs. Slovakia as a precautionary measure.
As the Olympic gold medal game is set to take place on Sunday morning between Team Canada and Team USA, both teams are dealing with injury issues as the Canadian side has the loss of Sidney Crosby to handle, meanwhile Team USA may be out one of their top offensive pieces.
Tage Thompson takes the ice ahead of gold medal clash with Canada
Tage Thompson was taken out of the team' semifinal game vs. Slovakia after blocking a shot and head coach Mike Sullivan kept him off the ice for precautionary measures, and things could have gone from bad to worse for the Americans.
However, they won't have to deal with a potential loss as Thompson was seen skating ahead of Sunday's game, and barring any catastrophes, looks set to play against Canada as they go for gold:
For Auston Matthews and the rest of Team USA, getting the elite offensive production and massive on-ice presence of Thompson will no doubt help his chances of not only making history for the Americans, but rewrite his own legacy.
Team Canada and Team USA set to do battle in historic clash
In what is arguably the most anticipated matchup that could happen at the Olympics, the story has seemingly written itself.
From Crosby's injury to Canada's comeback streak to keep their hopes alive, and a dominant USA side looking to win their first gold since 1980 -- everyone is going to be on their toes.
Sure we aren't going to see the levels of tension and animosity as we saw at the 4 Nations, though don't expect civil affairs with the likes of the Tkachuk Brothers, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Tom Wilson all sharing the ice.
We are going to see a lot of scrums in front of the net, and things won't stay calm for long though the cooler heads will prevail given the stringent IIHF rules regarding fights.
Canada and the USA are always out to put on the best possible show for the crowd, and Sunday morning is going to be no different, and with Tage Thompson looking to make an appearance -- they could be draped in gold by the afternoon.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
IIHF makes a change for the semifinals after the controversial goal against Canada
IIHF makes a change for the semifinals after the controversial goal against Canada
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 21|974 ANSWERS Tage Thompson returns to USA practice while Canada awaits news on Sidney Crosby Will Tage Thompson be factored into the Team USA/Canada gold medal game? | ||
| Yes | 408 | 41.9 % |
| No | 566 | 58.1 % |
| List of polls | ||