Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Team Canada held an optional practice Thursday in Milan, Italy. Team captain — and Pittsburgh Penguins captain — Sidney Crosby was one of the small number of players who did not participate. However, there was news on Crosby, and it seemed encouraging.
Crosby, who caused widespread concern when he left Wednesday’s quarterfinal win against Czechia, could return before the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament ends, Team Canada coach Jon Cooper told reporters Thursday.
Cooper did not offer a full answer on Crosby’s status, saying there could be a further update on Friday, but he said that Crosby is “by no means ruled out of the tournament,” according to reports. Cooper also threw out the phrase “day to day” and said, “if he can play, he’s definitely going to.”
That’s no doubt a huge relief for the Penguins and their fans after Crosby seemed to be in a great deal of pain and walking very gingerly after he left Wednesday’s game. In the second period, he took a couple hits in a short span of time, both involving Radko Gudas. He spent a few minutes on the bench before retreating to the locker room. The injury seemed to involve a leg or knee.
The Penguins, who resumed practicing Tuesday during this Olympics hiatus, don’t play again until Feb. 26, giving Crosby another week even if he is not able to play again for Team Canada in Milan.
The Canadians on Friday face Finland in the semifinals. The bronze medal game is scheduled for Saturday, the gold medal game for Sunday — traditionally the final event of the Winter Games before the closing ceremony.
Crosby, 38, has two goals, six points in four games for Team Canada. For his day job, he leads the Penguins with 27 goals and 59 points.
Categorized:Olympics
