Sidney Crosby’s injury quickly became one of the biggest storylines of the Olympics, and his absence was felt most when it mattered.
Team Canada fell 2-1 to Team USA in overtime in Sunday’s gold medal final, and without their captain in the lineup, the loss stung even more. Now, Radko Gudas, who was part of the play that resulted in Crosby’s injury, is speaking out.
Radko Gudas Addresses Sidney Crosby Injury
The injury occurred during Canada’s quarterfinal matchup against Czechia. Midway through the game, Crosby attempted to brace for contact from Anaheim Ducks defenseman and Czech alternate captain Radko Gudas. The collision ended awkwardly, with Gudas falling on top of Crosby. Crosby did not return after the second period.
He was later ruled out of the semifinal against Finland and the gold medal game against the United States with a lower-body injury. Despite making a strong push to get back in time for the final, he was not medically cleared.
Speaking to The Athletic, Gudas described the play as unfortunate and unintentional. “Obviously, it’s tough to see. You never want to see anybody get hurt. But it’s a tough, hard game out there and it’s been just unfortunate. Hopefully he can recover well. I don’t really know what else to say. It was a freak accident. You’re just trying to play as hard as possible and then see what happens.”
Gudas also acknowledged the backlash he faced online after the hit. “I’m not a big social media guy, so I can’t really say I’m paying much attention to it… I understand their anger. I’m not out there to get anybody hurt,” he said when asked about the outrage.
There remains no official update on Crosby’s status as the NHL regular season resumes for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins appear to be preparing for the possibility of his absence. The team recalled forward Avery Hayes from the AHL. And continued practice sessions as they adjust their lineup.
When asked how close he was to playing in the gold medal game, Crosby kept it simple. “I don’t know how you put a number on it. It’s a gold medal game, Olympics. If I could play, then I’d be out there.”
For now, Pittsburgh remains second in the Metropolitan Division. And right in the thick of the playoff race. Still, early signs point to Crosby likely missing Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
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As the Penguins await further medical clarity, the hockey world continues to debate the play.
