MILAN — Sidney Crosby did not play for Team Canada in the gold medal game against Team USA , a 2-1 loss at Santagiulia Arena on Sunday.
Crosby, Canada’s captain, missed his second game with a lower-body injury he sustained in second period of the quarterfinals against Team Czechia on Wednesday.
He also did not play in Canada’s 3-2 win against Team Finland in the semifinals on Friday.
“It was pretty close,” Crosby said. “Ultimately, I wasn’t able to go out there and do what I needed to do in order to help the team. At that point you have to make a decision that’s best for the group. It’s not an easy one, but that’s hockey.
It’s tough. I definitely feel that. It’s a lot easier playing than watching. I think everyone should be proud the way the team performed. I thought that obviously we did everything but score. In every facet we were so good today, I thought we deserved better and unfortunately we didn’t come away with the win.”
Canada used the same lineup as it did against Finland, with Crosby and defenseman Josh Morrissey, who was out with an undisclosed injury, the two skater scratches along with Darcy Kuemper, the third goalie.
There was optimism around Team Canada that Crosby would be able to return for the gold medal game after he skated in an optional practice Saturday.
Following practice, coach Jon Cooper said he would meet with Crosby and a determination on his availability for the game would be made Saturday night.
“He won’t put himself in harm’s way,” Cooper said. “He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.”
