After long-time rivals Team Canada and Team USA renewed hostilities yesterday, the two teams meet again in a World Cup pre-tournament rematch on Saturday in Ottawa.
As per Hockey Canada on Saturday, coach Mike Babcock will sit team captain Sidney Crosby and defenseman Jake Muzzin for tonight’s game, which concludes a back-to-back set.
Muzzin also out. Perry and Bouwmeester go in. Bergeron switches to center
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 10, 2016
The physical play from Friday was a major topic of discussion, particularly after hits from Ryan Kesler on Shea Weber and T.J. Oshie on Logan Couture. Team USA tried targeting Crosby early in the game, which Weber took exception to.
Claude Giroux was on the receiving end of a big hit a split second after the whistle from Joe Pavelski.
Claude Giroux said he didn't feel very good this morning after that hit last night, but "you've got to play through it"
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) September 10, 2016
After what transpired Friday, could the bad blood boil over to tonight’s contest? Or will cooler heads prevail?
Team Canada and Team USA both seem to be questioning why they're playing back-to-back. Getting through tonight healthy is a shared priority.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 10, 2016