Another blow to Team Canada minutes after heartbreaking update on Sidney Crosby

Team Canada will once again be without one of its most important pieces on the blue line.

Defenseman Josh Morrissey will not dress for Friday’s Olympic semifinal matchup against Finland, extending his absence after suffering an injury in the tournament opener.

There had been early optimism that Morrissey might be available, but those hopes faded as game time approached. The top-four defenseman exited early in the second period of Canada’s 5-0 win over Czechia last Thursday and did not return. He logged just 7:10 of ice time over 13 shifts alongside Colton Parayko before heading to the dressing room.

Since then, Canada has managed to control games with six defensemen, including its dramatic quarterfinal victory. Still, Morrissey’s absence remains significant. His puck-moving ability, defensive awareness and heavy minutes are not easily replaced — especially in a semifinal setting where margins are razor thin.

With Sidney Crosby also unavailable, Canada’s depth will be tested again.

Crosby, Morrissey and Darcy Kuemper are officially Canada's scratches. Sam Bennett (illness) is back in Team Canada's lineup today as per the lineups posted by the IIHF.

Team Canada Lineup:

Celebrini - McDavid - Wilson
Horvat - MacKinnon - Jarvis
Marner - Suzuki - Stone
Hagel - Bennett - Marchand
Reinhart

Toews - Makar
Harley - Parayko
Sanheim - Doughty
Theodore

Binnington
Thompson

This will be a challenge for Canada against Finland today while short-handed in key areas of the lineup.