2026 Winter Olympics: Sidney Crosby says Canada 'deserved better' after losing to Team USA in gold medal game
CBS Sports
by
Bryan DeArdo
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sidney Crosby, a key figure in Canada's previous hockey triumphs, found himself on the sidelines as Team USA claimed its first gold medal since 1980. Despite his absence due to a lower-body injury sustained during the quarterfinals, Crosby admitted that the decision to sit out was his own, emphasizing that it was made with the team's best interest in mind. Canada, led by players like Nathan MacKinnon and Drew Doughty, put up a valiant fight but fell short in the gold medal game, leaving many wondering if they deserved a better outcome. Crosby expressed pride in his team's performance, acknowledging their resilience despite facing adversity.
The article highlights the emotional weight of Crosby's absence, particularly on the offensive end. Canada struggled to convert 42 shots into goals against Team USA's netminder Connor Hellebuyck, ultimately falling 2-1 in overtime due to Jack Hughes' decisive goal. Despite dominating possession and out-shooting their opponents 42-26, Canada couldn't capitalize on key opportunities, including a golden chance by MacKinnon in the third period. This loss marked a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive tournament for the Canadian team, which had previously been tested in several close games.
Team USA's victory was fueled by strong performances from players like Johnny Gaudreau and Cale Makar, who contributed crucial goals and defense. The game-winning moment came during 3-on-3 overtime when Zach Werenski set up Jack Hughes for the final tally. This triumph not only brought glory to Team USA but also reignited debates about the state of international hockey and the challenges faced by teams like Canada in maintaining dominance.
Crosby's leadership and dedication were evident throughout his career, including previous gold medals in 2010 and 2014, as well as three Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His pride in the team's effort despite the loss underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience in the face of defeat. For fans of
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/22/2026