In a significant adjustment, Team USA has opted to scratch forward Kyle Connor for their semifinal clash against Slovakia. This marks the third consecutive game Connor has been sidelined during the tournament.
Kyle Connor’s Ongoing Absence
On Friday, Connor participated as the 14th forward in the gameday skate but did not make it to the final lineup. Team USA has decided to stick with the same roster that accomplished a 2-1 victory over Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Recent Lineup Changes
This decision follows Connor’s absence in the previous match, where the team secured a 5-1 win against Germany. In that game, he was replaced by Clayton Keller, a forward for the Utah Mammoth who had previously been on the sidelines for the first two games of the tournament.
Statistics and Performance
- Connor has gone scoreless in two Winter Olympic games and is currently a minus-1.
- This season, Connor has recorded 25 goals and 64 points across 56 games.
- Last season, he achieved a career-high with 41 goals and 97 points in 82 games.
Additional Roster Updates
Defenseman Jackson LaCombe is also feeling the pinch, skated as an extra on Friday, and has yet to see ice time in the tournament.
He was brought into the team as an injury replacement for Florida Panthers’ Seth Jones. In contrast, Connor Hellebuyck, Connor’s teammate on the Winnipeg Jets, will start as the goaltender for the semifinal match. He has been exceptional, having started all but one game in the tournament.
Expected Lineup for the Semifinal
The anticipated lineup for the semifinal against Slovakia includes:
- B. Tkachuk – Eichel – M. Tkachuk
- Guentzel – Matthews – Boldy
- J. Hughes – Larkin – Thompson
- Miller – Trocheck – Nelson
- Keller
On defense, Team USA is expected to feature:
- Hughes – McAvoy
- Sanderson – Werenski
- Slavin – Faber
As Team USA prepares for this pivotal game, they will look to maintain their winning momentum without Kyle Connor. Understanding the dynamics of the team will be crucial as they face Slovakia in this critical semifinal.
