Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby Ruled Out for Canada's Olympic Semifinal Against Finland
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will not play for Team Canada in their highly anticipated semifinal match against Finland at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. The 38-year-old sustained a lower-body injury during the second period of Canada's quarterfinal victory over Czechia, which occurred after two significant collisions on the ice. Despite his absence, Crosby remains part of the team in a non-playing capacity as they pursue their first Olympic gold medal with NHL players since 2014.
Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain, will take on the role of designated captain for the semifinal game. McDavid has already been a standout performer in the tournament, leading the scoring chart with 11 points and nearing the Olympic record. While he downplayed the shift in leadership, McDavid acknowledged Crosby's influence on the team, emphasizing that his presence as a mentor remains crucial. The injury reshapes Canada's lineup, with Nick Suzuki moving to center on the third line alongside Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, while Macklin Celebrini joins McDavid on the power-play unit.
The injury highlights the challenges of high-intensity sports at the elite level, where even minor collisions can sideline star players. While Crosby's absence is a significant loss for Canada, the team's depth in leadership and talent ensures they remain competitive. Jordan Binnington, the St. Louis Blues goaltender, praised Crosby's impact on the locker room but stressed that the team will continue to push forward with determination.
Crosby's injury occurred during a pivotal moment in the tournament, as Team Canada aims to secure a spot in the gold medal game against Finland. The match is not only a test of skill but also a testament to how teams adapt under pressure. Finland, the defending Olympic champion,
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026