Team USA has new lineup strategy for the game vs. Canada

Team Canada took the ice on Friday morning ahead of tomorrow’s intense matchup against the Americans, and it was obvious that changes were being made to the lineup.

At practice, head coach Jon Cooper put Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, who draws into the lineup for Travis Konecny, along with Seth Jarvis.

Defenseman Cale Makar was missing from the team’s skate due to an illness, though there is hope that he will be able to suit up on Saturday. However, to be cautious, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has announced that, given the circumstances, Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley can come in and join Team Canada in case Makar cannot play tomorrow night.

Harley was chosen at the additional call up and had been notified to stay available for Team Canada after Shea Theodore went down with injury and was labeled week to week after the first game of the tournament.

As for Canada’s opponent on Saturday, Team USA is coming off a significant win over Finland on Thursday night. The Tkachuk brother took over, as Matthew scored twice and added an assist to go along with Brady’s two-goal performance.

When head coach Mike Sullivan was asked about potential lineup changes to face Canada, he refuse to give details. Per Stephen Whyno, Sullivan says he and his staff “always consider lineup changes.” He would not reveal whether Chris Kreider and/or Jake Sanderson might join the lineup against Canada.

This was Team USA’s lineup against Finland :

Let’s see if changes are coming to the American lineup ahead of tomorrow night, perhaps during the morning practice on Saturday, or if that winning crew will go once again.