Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby missed Friday’s Olympic semifinal against Finland after sustaining a lower-body injury in Wednesday’s quarterfinal victory over Czechia. Canada advanced to the gold medal game with a 3-2 win over the Finns but did so without their 38-year-old captain on the ice.
On Saturday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the latest update from head coach Jon Cooper. Crosby is now considered day-to-day as Canada prepares for Sunday’s championship showdown against the United States.
“Sidney Crosby skated today. There’s a chance he plays tomorrow. Game-time decision,” Friedman reported on X.
The news provides a glimmer of hope for Canadian fans hoping to see their captain return for the biggest game of the tournament. Crosby was injured at 4:55 of the second period in the quarterfinal matchup when Czech defenseman Radko Gudas hit him at the red line between the benches. His legs appeared to split awkwardly as Gudas fell on top of him.
Just thirteen seconds later, Crosby absorbed another hit from Martin Necas and Gudas along the boards. The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar favored his right leg before leaving the ice and spending about a minute on the bench being evaluated by medical staff. He eventually departed for the dressing room with 13:55 remaining in the second period.
Connor McDavid keeping the ‘C’ warm for Sidney Crosby
With Sidney Crosby sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Connor McDavid assumed captaincy duties for Team Canada. But in his post-game comments, McDavid made it clear that he views the role as temporary, more as a placeholder until his childhood hero can return.
“Hopefully just borrow it. Keeping the ‘C’ warm for him,” McDavid said of the captaincy. “It’s a special thing to represent your country, and to wear the C for a group like this. It means everything for me. Really exciting. Enjoy this one here, and get ready to go for Sunday. It’s kind of a quick turnaround, but we’ll be ready to roll.”
The win against Finland was one thrilling affair and McDavid acknowledged the intensity of the game supporters were feeling.
“We’re putting our country through it. Lot of stressful mornings back home,” McDavid said after the nerve-wracking semifinal win. “The margins are razor, razor thin. You’ve seen that all the way through.”
As for Sidney Crosby, at 38 years old, this is almost certainly his final Olympics. It’s also the only true best-on-best tournament where Crosby and McDavid will play together on the same team representing their country at the highest level. All eyes will be on the morning skate Sunday to see if Crosby is indeed ready to lead Canada in their quest for gold.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
