“The streak is everything to me, but I can’t deny the toll it’s taking. I’ve had to dig deep, push past limits that most players wouldn’t even think about. Every time I step on that ice, it’s for the team. But, honestly, it’s getting harder to ignore the pain. I’ll keep going until I can’t, but I know this won’t last forever.”
— Nick Suzuki opens up on his mental and physical battle as the pressure mounts to maintain his consecutive games streak amid mounting injuries.
The stakes have never been higher for Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki as his legendary ironman streak faces its toughest challenge yet. Despite battling a foot injury and missing practice this week, Suzuki returned to the ice, continuing his 471-game streak—the second-longest active streak in the NHL. But with each passing game, the question lingers: How much longer can the 26-year-old push through the pain?
In a shocking admission, Suzuki confesses that his body is beginning to betray him, and the burden of keeping this streak alive is becoming heavier with each game. His commitment to the Canadiens and his unwavering desire to lead his team is admirable, but the physical toll is undeniable. With his foot injury already limiting his performance, Suzuki remains determined to fight on, but the future of his streak seems uncertain.
Meanwhile, the injury woes continue to pile up across the NHL. Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is sidelined for at least a week due to a lower-body injury, casting doubt on his ability to carry his team in the coming games. Matthews’ injury, though not considered serious, has left Leafs fans on edge as they worry about the long-term impact on their star player’s performance.
And it’s not just the Leafs who are feeling the strain—Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner is dealing with a significant upper-body injury, and while the full extent is still unknown, head coach Dean Evason has confirmed it won’t be a short-term issue. This injury comes on the heels of Jenner’s inconsistent health record, adding more uncertainty to a team already struggling to find its footing.
With key players like Suzuki, Matthews, and Jenner now fighting for their health, the pressure is mounting on the entire NHL. These injuries not only shake up the immediate playoff race but also raise questions about the long-term health of the league’s top stars. Will Suzuki’s streak end? Can Matthews recover in time? Is Jenner’s future with the Blue Jackets in jeopardy?
The drama continues to unfold as the NHL’s most iconic players battle through the grind of an unforgiving season. One thing is certain: the injury report is as crucial as ever, and every game from here on out could have massive implications for the players, their teams, and the league itself.
“I’ve given everything to my game this season—leading Team USA in goals and stepping up in key moments. If I’m left off the Olympic roster, it’s a decision I’ll never understand. I’m not just a goal-scorer; I’ve worked hard to be a complete player, and I know I can make a difference on that stage.”
— Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens Forward
In a surprising turn of events, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported earlier this week that Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens is not expected to be a part of Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite Caufield leading the U.S. team in goals with 12 goals in just 16 games this season, many—including hockey analyst Simon “the Snake” Boisvert—are scratching their heads over why USA Hockey would leave him out.
Boisvert, a guest on the Le Sick Podcast this Wednesday with Tony Marinaro, voiced his surprise over LeBrun’s report, questioning why Team USA wouldn’t consider Caufield for the Olympic roster. Boisvert pointed out that, for a tournament like the Olympics, it’s not about veteran experience for a fourth-line role—it’s about showcasing skill. He argued that USA Hockey will face teams far weaker than themselves and won’t need veteran presences like Brock Nelson or Chris Kreider, who are more experienced but lack the scoring ability of Caufield.
Caufield’s Scoring Prowess and Olympic Worth
Looking at Boisvert’s logic, it’s hard to fathom how Caufield wouldn’t be included in the top 13 forwards for Team USA. Any country would welcome a pure goal-scorer like him for an event like the Olympics. While Caufield’s penalty-kill performance may not be stellar, he’s proven himself as an elite scorer, particularly in power-play situations and overtime. The fact that Team USA lost in overtime at the Four Nations Tournament highlights how crucial Caufield’s scoring ability could be in such critical moments.
With the likelihood of one or two overtime games during the Olympic qualifiers, Caufield could be the difference-maker. He leads the NHL in overtime wins this season, with three. His ability to deliver when the pressure’s on could make him an invaluable asset to Team USA.
The Missed Opportunity for Team USA
While nothing about LeBrun’s report is confirmed, the credibility of the source suggests it may hold weight. LeBrun explained that Team USA could not find a spot for Caufield in their top six forwards, which is why they’re opting to leave him off the roster. However, considering Caufield’s impact on the game and his versatility, many believe this decision doesn’t reflect what’s best for the team, especially in a tournament like the Olympics where skill takes precedence.
A Silver Lining for Canada
For those rooting for Team Canada, this could be seen as a fortunate development. With Caufield potentially out of the picture, Canada gains an edge, knowing that Team USA will miss one of its most potent goal-scoring threats. But for Montreal Canadiens fans, this is a bitter pill to swallow. As much as the news may benefit Canada, it’s disappointing for those who hoped to see Caufield shine on the Olympic stage.
A Crucial Decision for USA Hockey
Whether or not Team USA ultimately decides to leave Caufield off the roster remains to be seen, but the discussion is already sparking a lot of debate. Will Caufield get a chance to represent Team USA, or will this be a missed opportunity for one of the league’s most prolific goal-scorers? With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan fast approaching, we’ll have to wait and see if the U.S. makes the right call.