Canada keeps Nathan MacKinnon off the ice, and the timing is hard to ignore after that Czechia moment

Nathan MacKinnon missed practice for team Canada Thursday as the team prepares to take on Finland in the semifinals tomorrow, with a chance to compete for a gold medal up for stake.

MacKinnon already missed practice ahead of their match against Czechia in which MacKinnon ultimately played in, as he's believed to be playing through an unknown injury issue.

It isn't clear the specific issue for MacKinnon, but it has been reported that the Canadian has been playing through discomfort, a lingering issue throughout the tournament.

As well, MacKinnon was viewed in a video on social media appearing to vomit up a blue liquid, further creating more questions over MacKinnon's health, especially as fellow Canadians Sam Bennett and Josh Morrissey have dealt with illness at the games.

MacKinnon was not the only player to miss practice today for Canada. Sidney Crosby, who is still undetermined to be playing tomorrow vs Finland, also did not skate. Crosby underwent an MRI following a collision with Czechia's Radko Gudas, not known until tomorrow if Crosby plays.

In the optional practice, Brad Marchand, Cale Makar, & Devon Toews also did not participate. Despite the optional nature of the skate and the multiple players out, speculation still came up on social media if MacKinnon's availability tomorrow could be in question.

The Canadians non-mandatory skate have some thinking there could be more in MacKinnon's absence that may be of some concern.

It would be some feat that MacKinnon is injured given that he led Canada in ice time against Czechia. Dealing with an injury does not mean that he is unable to continue.

It hasn't been confirmed that MacKinnon has a serious injury beyond just being banged up, and even a discomfort is capable enough of continuing for Canada.

The worry that MacKinnon is injured appears more than anything to be conspiratorial, and a cautious concern over the health of the Canadian team.

There isn't a reason to think that MacKinnon is dealing with something that would rule him out against Finland and the final medal game, but some fans are holding their breath out of fear.

With nothing coming out of on MacKinnon's status being in doubt, it would seem unlikely for MacKinnon not being unavailable for the next two weeks.

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