Four Biggest Storylines Coming Out Of Men's Olympics Tournament
With so much to talk about, how do we pick just four?
The Men’s Olympic tournament is not over, but there are several storylines already coming out of the qualifiers and quarterfinals. Three overtime games on Wednesday added drama to an already emotional tournament. Each game included something unexpected, with injuries, officiating issues, and heroics all meshed into a memorable series of events we’ll be talking about for some time.
Expect more drama as the semifinals and finals take place. Until then, let’s focus on what has happened.
The Celebrini Showcase
Some fans will say they know how good Macklin Celebrini is. But, unless you actively seek out watching San Jose Sharks games, you really don’t know. The world is learning at these Olympics.
Put on the team and just 19 years old, there was some talk that he might be “too young.” What’s real is that he is one of the team’s best players. He leads the tournament in goals with five. He’s second in points with nine. He’s a staple on the top line with McDavid and either Nathan MacKinnon or Tom Wilson. And, he’s not just keeping up, he’s setting a pace.
Sidney Crosby Injured
Leaving the quarterfinals against Czchia early was not something Sidney Crosby had on his bingo card. Unfortunately, he had no choice after taking a series of hits and going off with a leg injury in the second period.
He didn’t return, and his status is unclear, even if it sounds like he might be a game-time decision.
The latest reports are that Crosby may go for a quick skate Friday morning to see where things are at, but is unlikely to play against Finland. That’s not ideal for Team Canada, whose road to the finals gets a lot more difficult if their captain isn’t steering the ship.
Connor McDavid will have to step up as a leader, and the team's depth will have to play a bigger role. A top-heavy Canadian squad losing Crosby stings. Some were in the McDavid as captain camp anyway. This is not at all how he would have liked to have been given the “C”, but if it happens, the fire he’ll bring to the ice will be next level.
Dumped Players Performing On the Biggest Stage
