Team Canada just took a hit - and not the kind that shows up on the stat sheet.
Anthony Cirelli, one of Jon Cooper’s most trusted two-way forwards, is officially out for the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy after suffering an injury during Tampa Bay’s recent win over Boston. It’s a tough blow for both Team Canada and the Lightning, especially given Cirelli’s value on both sides of the puck.
The injury came in the second period, shortly after Boston cut Tampa’s lead to 3-1. Cirelli was skating through center ice, having just moved the puck, when Bruins forward Mark Katelsic delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder hit that caught him off guard. Cirelli went down in clear discomfort and didn’t return to the game.
For Tampa Bay, the timing couldn’t be worse. Earlier that day, Coach Cooper had already announced that both Cirelli and Nick Paul would miss the team’s final two games before the Olympic break. That leaves the Lightning a little thin down the middle - not ideal as they try to maintain momentum heading into the pause.
And for Team Canada, the replacement stings in more ways than one. Stepping into Cirelli’s spot is Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett.
Yes, a Panther. For Lightning fans, that’s a bit of salt in the wound.
But for Canada, Bennett brings a different type of edge - more physical, more north-south - and he’s capable of playing heavy playoff-style hockey, which tends to translate well on the Olympic stage.
Still, Cirelli’s absence will be felt. He’s the kind of player coaches love in tournament settings - defensively responsible, relentless on the forecheck, and capable of chipping in key goals. Cooper, who also coaches Cirelli in Tampa, knows exactly what he’s missing.
With the Olympic Games drawing closer, Canada’s depth will be tested. And for the Lightning, they’ll have to lean on their remaining centers to carry the load, at least until the break.