A quick tidbit of not-so-good news from today’s men’s hockey game as Team Canada will be without the services of John Tavares for the remainder of the Olympic Games.
Tavares suffered a leg injury in the second period of today’s game against Latvia after taking a hit along the boards from former Winnipeg Jets‘ defenceman Arturs Kulda.
The New York Islanders captain rived in agony on the ice for a few moments before making his way to the Canadian bench and down the tunnel to the dressing room. He would not return.
It was reported on Twitter afterward by Elliotte Friedman that Tavares would be out for the remainder of the Olympics due to the injury.
Mike Babcock confirms @StapeNewsday report that John Tavares is out of the Olympics
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 19, 2014
The loss of Tavares likely means the reinstatement of Matt Duchene into Canada’s line-up. Much to the chagrin of fans, this will also solidify Chris Kunitz’s spot moving into the next round.
Canada will next hit the ice Friday against the United States in a do-or-die Semifinals for a chance to play for gold.
