Team Canada is set to face Team USA in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday. However, they’ll be without their captain, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, who has been ruled out of the lineup. Here’s what led to that decision.
The Latest Sidney Crosby Injury Update Ahead of Team Canada’s Gold Medal Match
Crosby was injured during the quarterfinal matchup against Czechia. Midway through the game, he tried to brace for a hit from defenseman Radko Gudas, but the play ended awkwardly with Gudas falling on top of him. Crosby did not return after the second period.
The most veteran and decorated member of Team Canada, he was later ruled out of the semifinal against Finland with a lower-body injury. Despite pushing hard to get back, he wasn’t cleared in time.
Imaging reportedly showed that Crosby avoided a worst-case scenario, and he even consulted with specialists in Milan. At one point, sources indicated his status was trending in the right direction for the gold medal game. He was doing everything he could to get back for the finals and try to win his third gold medal. Crosby skated on both Friday and Saturday, though those sessions were closed to the media, a departure from Canada’s earlier tournament routine.
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Ultimately, however, he was ruled out of the final. Many applauded Crosby’s selfless decision, noting that, as much as he wanted to play in what will likely be 38-year-old Crosby’s final Olympic games, he didn’t want to hurt Team Canada. He knows they are better served by someone who is healthier than he is right now.
With Crosby sidelined, Connor McDavid will once again wear the captain’s “C” as Canada faces the United States for gold.
Canada enters the final undefeated at 5-0. They started strong with wins over Czechia (5-0), Switzerland (5-1), and France (10-2), then edged Czechia 4-3 in overtime before rallying from 2-0 down to beat Finland 3-2, thanks to a late goal from Nathan MacKinnon.
McDavid leads the tournament with 13 points, setting an NHL-era Olympic record, while Macklin Celebrini has 10 and MacKinnon 7.
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Canada’s main concern is the absence of Crosby, while Team USA also enters the final undefeated. This sets the stage for a nail-biting gold medal clash, where it will come down to which team rises to the occasion.
