Sidney Crosby Ruled Out of Olympic Gold-Medal Game an Hour Before Faceoff in Milan
Sidney Crosby was ruled out of Canada’s Olympic gold-medal game against the United States about an hour before the start of the game in Milan. The 38-year-old Canadian captain, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had been listed as doubtful following a lower-body injury sustained in the quarterfinal victory over Czechia.
Sidney Crosby's Injury and How It Happened
Crosby suffered a lower-body injury during Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia. In the second period of that game he was hit along the boards by Martin Nečas and Radko Gudas; that was the third major hit Crosby had taken in the period. He exited the ice soon afterward, limped toward the locker room, and was ruled out of that quarterfinal game.
Timing of the Decision and Pregame Status
The official decision that Crosby would not play arrived roughly an hour before the scheduled start of the gold-medal game. His status had remained in doubt up until that announcement, and Canada’s active lineup did not include him when the game began.
Coaching Staff and Team Reaction
Canada head coach Jon Cooper had expressed belief that Crosby had a chance to play in the gold-medal game, but the captain did not recover in time to be part of Canada’s active lineup. Connor McDavid, reflecting on Crosby’s influence, said that Crosby would have a big impact whether in the lineup or not, underlining the veteran’s stature within the group.
McDavid to Continue as Playing Captain
Connor McDavid will again serve as the playing captain for Team Canada; he has carried that role since Crosby’s injury. McDavid’s continuation as playing captain follows the decision to keep Crosby out of the lineup for the title game.
Crosby's Olympic Record and Milan Performance
Crosby is the oldest player on Canada’s roster and has played in three Olympic Games for Canada, winning gold medals in Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. He scored Canada’s golden overtime goal in 2010 that sent Canada past the United States. In Milan, Crosby registered two goals and four assists before the injury. He also holds the Canadian NHL-era Olympic record with 16 total points.
Practices, Public Statements and Uncertainties
Crosby skated in practice on both Friday and Saturday leading up to the gold-medal game but made no public statements; both of those practices were closed to media. The player’s exact recovery timeline and any further medical updates are unclear in the provided context.
The withdrawal of Sidney Crosby from the title game reshapes Canada’s lineup and leadership presence for one of hockey’s highest-stakes matches. Details on any subsequent roster moves or further updates on Crosby’s condition remain limited in the information provided.
