Canada captain Sidney Crosby out for Olympic gold medal game - ESPN

ESPN

by Emily Kaplan

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Sidney Crosby, Canada's hockey captain, will not play in the Olympic men's gold medal game due to a lower body injury sustained during the quarterfinals against Czechia. Despite efforts to recover in time, imaging revealed the injury was serious enough to bench him for both the semifinal and the final. Sources indicated that while Crosby's condition improved, it did not progress as hoped, leaving him unable to participate in the crucial match. Crosby sustained the injury midway through the Czechia game when he was hit by defenseman Radko Gudas. Despite skating twice in Milan—on Friday and Saturday—he was held out of practice sessions, which were closed to media scrutiny. This decision went against earlier team practices that allowed media access during training. Crosby, 38, is not only Canada's oldest player but also its most decorated, having led the team to victory over the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with a golden goal. Crosby had shown determination to return, consulting experts and pushing through rigorous recovery efforts. However, his absence leaves a significant gap for Canada, as he is both a key player and a leader on the ice. His inability to participate underscores the challenges of balancing recovery and competitive pressure in high-stakes tournaments like the Olympics. This development matters because Crosby's leadership and skill are pivotal to Canada's success. His exclusion highlights the impact of injuries in elite sports and raises questions about how teams manage player health during major events. Fans and analysts will closely watch whether his absence affects Canada's chances of winning gold, making this a key storyline for hockey enthusiasts worldwide.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/22/2026