Hockey analyst Ailish Forfar shared strong thoughts on Marie-Philip Poulin ahead of Canada’s meeting with the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Poulin was injured in the first period against Czechia after being checked into the boards by Kristyna Kaltounkova.
Poulin landed awkwardly and struggled to put weight on her right leg. After briefly returning, she left the game again and did not return. Canada still controlled play and won 5–1.
Speaking after Poulin’s early exit, Forfar stressed patience over risk. She said Poulin should not play unless she is fully ready. The focus, she added, should stay on the gold medal game.
“If she’s compromised tomorrow against the United States, it’s rivalry,” Forfar said. “That is going to be intense, like they’re not going to let up on each other. Just because it’s a qualifying round robin, it’s their test for the gold medal. And Canada has been, as you mentioned, lopsided and in the losing column as of late.
“So if MPP is not at 100% tomorrow, give her the time to get to that for when the gold medal game happens. I think that’s also why she didn’t return today. You know, they were up for nothing at the end of the first period, and it just didn’t, it didn’t need to be forced.”
Rivalry games bring extra intensity, especially Canada and the United States never ease up, even in round-robin play. In her view, pushing Poulin in that setting would invite more risk. Giving her time now could protect Canada later, when medals are on the line.
“I think it just gives me the opportunity for other people to step up,” Forfar said. “It’s hard. Like there is not a player higher than empathy in the ranking of do not want to get hurt on the Canadian team, or anything at the Olympics, like, it’s like losing Hillary knight on the US team. You just can’t imagine the Olympics without them.
“So if they have to play tomorrow without MVP, I’m okay with the fitted. It means it gives her another 24 hours without putting strain on her body.”
Canada opened that Czechia game with pace and never looked back. Kristin O’Neill, Sarah Fillier, Laura Stacey, and Julia Gosling powered the offense. The team outshot Czechia 34–19 and stayed in control throughout. That depth creates a chance for others to step forward, amid Poulin’s absence.
Canada Has Officially Confirmed Marie-Philip Poulin’s Absence
Team Canada has officially confirmed that Captain Poulin will not play against Team USA. They will now need a new approach without one of its biggest stars. Tuesday’s matchup is scheduled at 2:10 p.m. ET.
“Marie-Philip Poulin has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s game against the United States at Milano Cortina 2026.” The statement from Canadian Olympic Committee and Hockey Canada reads.
Poulin has netted 17 Olympic goals in her career and sits just one shy of matching Hayley Wickenheiser’s all-time record. However, so far she has just one assist in this tournament.
Meanwhile, Canada sits second in Group A behind a dominant American side. Even if results tilt again, health remains the priority.
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