Team Canada pulled out a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Team Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Yet despite the thrilling comeback, the spotlight quickly moved from the celebration to the bench after a concerning moment involving captain Sidney Crosby.
Radko Gudas Responds to Hit on Sidney Crosby
During the second period, Crosby was hit by Czech defenseman Radko Gudas near the red line between the benches. As Gudas fell over him, Crosby’s legs bent awkwardly. He managed to continue playing. But he was clearly favoring his right leg.
Just 13 seconds later, Crosby was involved in another collision along the boards near Canada’s bench. This time with both Martin Nečas and Gudas. He took a couple of strides into the offensive zone before slowing up, circling back, and heading straight to the bench.
Once there, Crosby sat hunched over as medical staff checked on him. He looked uncomfortable and struggled to put weight on his right leg. With 13:55 left in the period, he limped down the tunnel to the dressing room and did not return. His night ended after just seven shifts of 4:41 ice time.
Gudas was not penalized on either play. After the game, he made it clear there was no intent to injure. He explained that he was just finishing his check and hopes Crosby is okay.
At the time Crosby exited, Canada trailed 2-1. The deficit grew to 3-2 late in the third period, but the Canadians refused to fold. Nick Suzuki scored a late equalizer to force overtime, and Mitch Marner sealed the win in the extra frame.
ALSO READ: ‘It’s A Toronto Thing’ – Mark Stone Calls Out Maple Leafs Bias After Mitch Marner’s OT Heroics
Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper offered cautious optimism. “Sid is by no means ruled out of the tournament. We’ve got the best of the best looking at him.” “Everything’s going down as we speak. We have time,” Cooper said after Thursday’s optional skate.
“We’re not going to put anybody in harm’s way,” The coach said. “But if he can play, he’s definitely going to.”
Marner echoed the sentiment, saying, “It obviously [stinks],” Mitch Marner said. “Hopefully he’s OK and doing better. We’ll see how he’s doing when we get back in there. Obviously he means a lot to this team. Not just on the ice but off the ice as well.”
Canada now turns its focus to a semifinal showdown against Finland. The question looming over the matchup is simple: Will Crosby be ready?
