Injury Concern In Milan Could Come Back To Haunt Winnipeg

The biggest headline going around Jetsland yesterday was the injury to star defenceman Josh Morrissey. The Calgary native looked to have a knee on knee collision late in the first period of Canada’s opening game against Czechia. Team Canada would go on to secure a 5-0 victory, but Morrissey only played one shift in the second period before leaving the game. Mike McIntyre on Winnipeg Sports Talk last night talked to Jon Cooper and by all accounts the injury doesn’t seem serious but there was little certainty as the day ended in Milan. It seems doubtful he’ll go in Canada's next game against Winnipeg teammate Nino Niederreiter and team Switzerland. 

He may yet return to the tournament, but losing Morrissey would be devastating for the Jets. He’s easily their best defenceman and a key part of their core. But the Jets’ season is over. If he gets home from Milan and isn’t 100% there’s no reason to rush him back into the lineup. The Jets need Morrissey full speed and ready to carry this team next season and the last thing they need is to make the injury more severe by bringing him back too early. More details will be shared as Canada prepares for the matchup with the Swiss. 

Other Olympic Notes

Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves in team USA’s 5-1 win over Latvia. The Americans slowly wore team Latvia down and Hellebuyck was challenged less as the game went on. Kyle Connor played over 11 minutes in the contest and generated a couple of chances but didn’t show up in the box score. Team USA has an off day then back to back games with Denmark and Germany.

Nino Niederreiter was also held off the scoresheet in Switzerland’s 4-0 win over France. Team Switzerland’s real test comes next against Canada. Niederreiter will need to have a big game along with some impressive goaltending for the Swiss to have a shot to take down the gold medal favourites.

In non-Jets news, the biggest upset of the preliminary round so far has been Slovakia over Finland, 4-1. The big four nations are heavy favorites to make the medal rounds but we’re likely not done with surprises yet. Sweden took care of business against Italy before their rivalry match up with the Finns.

Keep it tuned to Jets White Out for more on your Olympic Jets.