P.K. Subban, Matt Duchene, and Mike Smith will not suit up for Thursday's game against Norway, Canada head coach Mike Babcock announced. However, Duchene and Subban will be back for the Austria game on Friday.
Team Canada's scratches vs. Norway: Matt Duchene, PK Subban and Mike Smith. Mike Babcock confirms.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 13, 2014
The omission of Duchene and Subban is intriguing, as both players have excelled this season for their NHL teams.
Duchene registered 19 goals and 50 points for the Colorado Avalanche, while Subban has continued his impressive form from the 2013 season. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has scored eight goals and 39 points this season.
Phoenix's Mike Smith finds himself third in the pecking order behind Carey Price and Roberto Luongo. Smith posted a 20-17-9 record this season, with a 2.77 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.