Makar game-time decision for Canada against U.S. at 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL -- Cale Makar was on the ice for Canada's morning skate Saturday and will be a game-time decision for its showdown with the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off at Bell Centre (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).

Makar did not practice Friday because of an illness, leaving Canada with five healthy defensemen. Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley was in attendance Saturday but was not permitted to be on the ice at the same time as Makar.

"I'm feeling a little bit better; we'll see how it goes this afternoon and stuff," Makar said. "Yeah, not great, but better today so we'll see how it progresses and see how we're doing.

"For me, at the end of the day I've got to make sure I do what's right for myself. I don't want to be putting these guys in a tough spot, so it was great that we were able to bring Harley in, at least have that option if we need it. But again, I'm feeling better today and we'll see how the afternoon progresses. I'm obviously going to do everything I possibly can to play in this one."

Forward Travis Konecny skated as a defenseman during practice Friday.

“Trust me, it won’t be a situation … we’ll never put Cale in harm’s way,” Canada coach Jon Cooper said. “If he is in the lineup, he will be good to go.”

Canada already is without Shea Theodore for the rest of the best-on-best international tournament because of an upper-body injury sustained during a 4-3 overtime win against Sweden on Wednesday.

The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman was injured at 2:33 of the second period on a hit from Sweden forward Adrian Kempe, forcing Canada to play the rest of the game with five defensemen.

"Having Shea go down is obviously a big loss," Cooper said Friday. "A fantastic player having a fantastic season in Vegas. It definitely changes the dynamic for the back end. I just feel bad for him losing out on that injury, but 'Sanny' is a great player and there are so many great defensemen in Canada that aren’t even here.

"So, it’s like the regular season. Most teams talk about it: Next-guy-in mentality. I think between the coaching staff, systems, communication and all that, that’s where our focus has to be because we don’t have a lot of games or reps together, so just keying into that. Everyone is a great player. Reading off one another is the big thing."

Makar had three blocked shots and led all Canada skaters in time on ice Wednesday with 28:06. He is on Canada’s top defense pair with Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews and also is on Canada’s top power-play unit.

“I think he was pretty sick last game, [but] he didn’t look it,” said foward Nathan MacKinnon, Makar's teammate in Colorado. “He’s so mentally tough, nothing fazes that guy. He’s the last guy I’m worried about.

“He’s the best defenseman in the world. Him at 80 (percent) is better than almost everyone anyway. He is going to play hard, and I expect nothing but great out of him.”

The U.S.-Canada game Saturday will cap a rivalry doubleheader that began with Finland facing Sweden at Bell Centre.