Sidney Crosby out as Canada faces USA in Olympic men's hockey final
Canada captain sidney crosby will not play in the men's hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics today, sidelined by a lower-body injury he suffered in the quarterfinal against Czechia. The absence reshapes Canada's roster for a rivalry final against the United States that both teams and many viewers have long anticipated.
Sidney Crosby out for final
Officials listed sidney crosby as unavailable for the gold-medal contest after the injury in the quarterfinal. Earlier coverage described him as having skated in practice and as a potential game-time decision, but the pregame status shows he will not take the ice in the final.
Canada lineup and captaincy notes
Canada's coach has submitted a pre-game lineup that places the top forward trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini on the opening card — the first time that combination was penciled in for this tournament. With Crosby out of action, Connor McDavid wore the team captain's letter in the semifinal; that arrangement continues into the final roster context.
The roster also lists the physical forward trio of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Tom Wilson together. On the U. S. side, Tage Thompson, who missed the third period of Friday's semifinal as a precaution, is in the lineup for the final.
Stakes, context and immediate implications
The matchup renews a long-standing rivalry: it is a rematch of the 2002 and 2010 Olympic finals, both previously won by Canada. The United States is seeking its third Olympic men's hockey gold, while Canada is pursuing its 10th. Organizers and participants have described the game as potentially one of the most-watched in the sport's history.
Ticket availability reflects strong demand: general tickets are sold out, while a limited number of hospitality packages remain for purchase at listed euro prices of €3, 750 for a premium package and €5, 500 for a shared-suite barstool; those prices exclude tax and include food and drink.
Forward look and conditional scenarios
If the United States defeats Canada in the final, it would mark the country's third Olympic men's hockey gold. The game also carries historical resonance in broader Olympic timelines for both nations. With Canada's captain absent from the lineup, attention will focus on whether the top line and the team's leadership structure on the ice can offset the loss of Crosby's presence. Any in-game injuries or shifts could prompt further lineup changes during the match.
- Key takeaways: Crosby is out; top Canadian line starts; USA has Tage Thompson available.
The final begins today with both teams fielding lineups shaped by recent injuries and strategic choices. The immediate, confirmed facts are: sidney crosby will not play; Canada has set its top forward trio to start; the United States has returned a previously held-out player to its lineup. Unclear details — for example, internal fitness timelines for individual players beyond the published pregame rosters — are not publicly confirmed at this time.
