Team Canada defeated Team Czechia 4-3 in overtime in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, punching their ticket to the semifinals and eliminating Czechia from the tournament.
However, despite the thrilling finish, the focus during the game quickly shifted away from the scoreboard and toward the bench after a major scare involving captain Sidney Crosby.
Sidney Crosby Injury Shakes Team Canada
Crosby was forced to leave the game after two heavy hits from Czechia’s Radko Gudas and Martin Necas. The first big collision came in the second period when Gudas delivered a hard check that appeared to catch Crosby awkwardly. Shortly after, Necas finished another hit along the boards.
Following the sequence, Crosby was seen hunched over on the bench and clearly in discomfort. He struggled to put weight on his right leg and eventually limped down the tunnel to the dressing room.
Almost immediately, the hockey world reacted. Social media lit up as analysts tried to process what had just happened and how serious it might be.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun pointed out the mechanics of the hit, writing that it was a “big hit on Crosby. 87 to the bench, can’t put weight on his right leg. His right leg folded under him on the hit. Crosby sitting at end of bench getting looked at.” His observation highlighted the awkward way Crosby’s leg bent on impact, often a troubling sign in those situations.
Gudas with a big hit on Crosby. 87 to the bench, can’t put weight on his right leg. His right left folded under him on the hit.
Crosby sitting at end of bench getting looked at.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 18, 2026
NHL analyst Marco D’Amico focused on Crosby’s body language, observing that he “looks shaken up” and was “in pain at the Canadian bench,” reinforcing the visual worry many fans already had.
Corsby looks shaken up there.
In pain at the Canadian bench.
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) February 18, 2026
TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug shared a similar view, stating, “That did not look good for Crosby,” and emphasizing that his “leg buckled underneath him.”
That did not look good for Crosby. Leg buckled underneath him.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 18, 2026
Crosby did not return for the remainder of the game.
Team Canada won 4-3 in overtime. Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game off a brilliant setup from Connor McDavid. But Lukas Sedlak responded quickly after a turnover by Mark Stone, and David Pastrnak capitalized on a power play to give Czechia the advantage.
Nathan MacKinnon’s goal tied the proceedings and was the only goal scored in the second period.
Ondrej Palat gave Czechia a 3-2 lead in the third period, putting Canada on the brink. But with just 3:27 remaining in regulation, Nick Suzuki came through with a clutch goal to even the score and force overtime. Then it didn’t take long, only 1:22 into the 3-on-3 overtime, for Mitch Marner to bury the game-winner and seal the victory for Canada.
Despite the dramatic comeback and overtime heroics, the biggest storyline coming out of Milan remains Crosby’s status. Canada may be moving on to the semifinals, but losing their captain, even temporarily, would be a massive blow to their gold-medal hopes.
