The sight of Marie-Philip Poulin in agony on the bench, her eyes clamped shut, and her face contorted in pain, sent shockwaves through the hockey world and Team Canada. The immediate question of how Canada would respond to the loss of their game's greatest player was answered with authority: a 5-1 trouncing of the Czech Republic. But the more pressing question now is whether Canada will have Poulin for Tuesday's showdown with the United States. The larger question no one wants to consider is whether the best Olympic hockey player ever has played her last Olympic game.
Poulin left the game midway through the first period after Czech forward Kristýna Kaltounková drilled her shoulder into Poulin, sending her crashing into the boards. Poulin lay prone on the ice for a moment before getting to her knees, grimacing in obvious pain. She eventually returned to the bench to a big cheer and watched the rest of the first period with her teammates.
Poulin, the consensus best women's hockey player on the planet, has a history of coming up clutch in the biggest moments. She's scored the game-winning goal in three Olympics and is the only player (male or female) to score in four consecutive gold medal games. She needed just one more goal to tie Hayley Wickenheiser's record for most goals in the Olympics.
The loss of Poulin is a significant blow to Canada's Olympic gold medal hopes. There's no replacing her, and her presence on the roster gives Canada an edge most nights. If she misses any more time, it's not as simple as the next woman up.
Canada has the benefit of options, with a veteran roster that was heavily scrutinized leading into the tournament. Laura Stacey, who started the game on Poulin's line, moved back to her reliable checking role. Coach Troy Ryan praised the trio of Stacey, Blayre Turnbull, and Emily Clark, who have been invaluable to Team Canada for years.
Another player who has been turning heads is Sarah Fillier, the future face of Team Canada. She has scored two goals and three points in her second Olympic Games and has drawn comparisons to Poulin. Fillier has a deep toolkit, with high-end skill and poise with the puck, and has been the most dynamic player for Team Canada in Milan.
The game against the Czech Republic was a physical affair, with both teams watching two of their players go down the tunnel to the locker room during play. Kaltounková, the 23-year-old New York Sirens rookie, led the way using her size and strength to win battles and deliver rattles. She didn't just make contact; she sought it out early and often.
The hit that knocked out Poulin was a controversial moment. Poulin and Kaltounková were both chasing down a puck in the Czech defensive zone. Poulin had position, but Kaltounková had momentum, and she drove her right shoulder into Poulin's left, sending her twisting into the boards. The play was not reviewed, and the call was made on the ice.
Kaltounková, of course, shrugged off the hit, seeing it as a defensive move with no malicious intent. Her coach, Carla MacLeod, agreed, stating that it's just two teams fighting out there and that you never want to see anyone go to injury.
The worst-case scenario is that Poulin, who is about to turn 35, has seriously injured her knee in what could be the final game of a legendary Olympic career. The best-case scenario is a reminder to appreciate greatness while you can.
