Mitch Marner and Mark Stone are two-thirds of Canada’s best line during the Winter Olympics.
That other third is of major importance. Canada captain Sidney Crosby’s health for Friday’s semifinal match against Finland is up in the air due to a lower-body injury suffered in Canada’s 4-3 overtime win against Czechia.
“Sid is by no means ruled out of the tournament,” Canada coach Jon Cooper said Thursday. “We’re taking this day by day. We’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way, but if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more again in 24 hours.”
Crosby in the middle of the Vegas Golden Knights star wingers has been Canada’s most consistent line throughout the tournament.
Marner-Crosby-Stone lead all 🇨🇦Canadian forward lines in ice time at 5-on-5 and have dominated their minutes… pic.twitter.com/k7AXsyw2n0
— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) February 15, 2026
The three can dominate possession because of their high IQ. They’re responsible defensively. They’re also elite offensively, as evidence of Stone’s goal in the round robin against Czechia.
What a pass by Marner.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) February 12, 2026
But Crosby going down in the second period Wednesday on a hit from defenseman Radko Gudas has put that line in question.
Marner and Stone’s chemistry should make it easy for anyone to fill in at center. Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki occupied that role in the third period. Suzuki scored the tying goal late in the third period to force overtime.
Marner ended it with a one-on-three backhand to send Canada to the semifinals.
“When I got put there, it felt pretty easy for a centerman to have two wingers like that,” Suzuki said about playing with Marner and Stone. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully we can have Sid back, but I think I can find a way to play with anybody.”
The chemistry between Stone and Marner has transitioned to Italy. Marner has five points and is a plus-5, while Stone has four points and is a plus-3.
It’s not just the four goals and six points of Crosby that Canada has to try and fill. The leadership and elite two-way play is tricky to replace.
Suzuki has played primarily on the wing in the tournament because of Canada’s loaded center depth. Moving him back to the middle, if Crosby can’t go, might be an ideal fit.
“That’s a big hole to fill and (Suzuki) did a great job of it. Not just because he scored that goal,” Marner said Wednesday. “Very smart two-way player. He makes great plays. He’s got great speed coming up the ice. You see why he gets so much love in Montreal. We’ll see what happens, but if that’s what happens going forward, just keep talking, try to build our chemistry and do the right thing.”
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
Up next
Who: Finland vs. Canada
When: 7:30 a.m. Friday
Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan
TV: USA, Peacock
Line: Canada -481; total 5 ½
—
Who: Slovakia vs. Team USA
When: Noon Friday
Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan
TV: NBC, Peacock
Line: USA -901; total 6