Credit: Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images
Everything pointed toward Sidney Crosby doing all he could to be ready to play for Team Canada in the gold medal hockey game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his injury proved to be too severe. The Canadian — and Pittsburgh Penguins — captain will not be in the lineup Sunday when Canada and the United States play in the final event of these Games.
Crosby left Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia on Wednesday after absorbing a couple hits in close succession because of an apparent leg or knee injury. Widespread word was that he had a chance to play in the semifinals on Friday, but he was not ready to go. Some reports put his likelihood of being available for the gold medal game at up to 70 percent.
Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said Crosby “met with coach (Jon Cooper) and doctors for about 45 minutes,” according to reporter Julie Stewart-Binks, but at the “end of the day he felt it was best for the team that he should give that opportunity to someone else. … Obviously, a very gut-wrenching decision for him, but shows the character he has of stepping aside because he didn’t think he could be at his best, to give us an opportunity.”
It’s possible Crosby, 38, has played his final game at the Olympics. After all, he will be 42 at the next Games and there is no guarantee he will still be playing.
Canada is still loaded with the likes of Connor McDavid (who served as captain on Friday and would be expected to do so again Sunday), Nathan MacKinnon, Mackin Celebrini and Cale Makar, but Crosby would have added another dimension. Several members of Team Canada have spoken glowingly about Crosby’s positive influence behind the scenes in both the quarterfinal win after he left that game and the semifinal win.
Meanwhile, the Penguins resume their NHL schedule Thursday against New Jersey. Crosby’s status for that game remains to be determined. Crosby leads the Penguins with 27 goals and 59 points.
Tags: 2026 Olympics Pittsburgh Penguins Shelly Anderson Sidney Crosby
Categorized:Olympics