Canada faced a decision on whether to rest captain Marie-Philip Poulin for the Olympic women’s hockey semifinals or utilize her in the match against Germany. Despite being the clear favorites, there was speculation that Poulin might sit out to protect her previously injured right knee. However, she not only started the game but also scored her 18th Olympic goal to equal the record set by her former teammate Hayley Wickenheiser.
Poulin discussed the decision to play, mentioning consultations with the physio, doctor, and coaches. Canada secured a 5-1 victory over Germany, setting up a clash with Switzerland in the next round after their 1-0 win over Finland.
Poulin returned to action after being checked hard by Kristyna Kaltounkova in a previous match. She played for over 12 minutes, proving her fitness despite concerns over her knee. Coach Troy Ryan revealed that the final call to play Poulin was made just before the game, highlighting the trust placed in the medical team’s assessment.
During the match, Poulin’s knee was tested early on, but she showed resilience and determination in her performance. With seven of her 18 Olympic goals coming in finals, Poulin holds a unique record of scoring crucial goals in championship matches. Coach Ryan emphasized the collaborative decision-making process involving the medical team and Poulin herself, underscoring the importance of player welfare in such critical situations.