When the United States hits the ice in Sochi Friday to try to avenge a loss to Canada in the gold medal game in 2010 and earn their way into this year's battle for the gold, they'll do so without one of their top shutdown defenseman in Paul Martin.
According to ESPN, USA Hockey made the announcement but it is unclear what ailment Martin, who has been playing alongside Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Brooks Orpik on the blueline, has come down with but it's known that he is ill. Martin had played in four games thus far in the tournament and had no points while being a plus-2 and averaging 17:54 of ice time.
Martin has 12 points in 33 games for the Penguins this season off of two goals and 10 assists.
Justin Faulk will make his debut when the United States takes on Canada with a chance to face the Sweden-Finland winner in the gold medal game on Sunday. The United States has revenge on its mind after losing to Canada four years ago in overtime during the gold medal game at the Vancouver Olympics. The U.S. is looking to avenge that and earn the chance to compete for gold for the second straight year.
Faulk, a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, was scratched the first four games of the tournament, and will likely serve as the seventh defenseman. John Carlson (Washington Capitals) will likely fill Martin's role next to Orpik while the other defensive pairings will likely remain the same. The other duos consist of Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild) and Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers), and Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues) alongside Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks).
Faulk has 22 points through 57 games off of three goals and 19 assists for the Hurricanes this season.
The United States and Canada hit the ice in Russia and the winner will go on to compete for a gold medal while the loser plays in the bronze medal game live from Sochi.
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