Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby was unable to play in the Men’s hockey Olympic semifinal against Team Finland. He tried. Trainers tried. But Crosby just wasn’t healthy enough to play.
Canada survived another nailbiter, getting a controversial goal that could have been challenged for goaltender interference after Canada winger Brad Marchand rolled over goalie Juuse Saros’s legs moments before the shot that tied the game later in the third period. And then on a late power play, Nathan MacKinnon netted the winner with a shortside one-timer from the left circle past Saros. There were just 35 seconds remaining.
Even the game winner was an imperceptible tie across the blue line between the puck and Macklin Celebrini’s skate, which was likely on the very last millimeter of the blue line. Finland unsuccessfully challenged.
However, the potentially good news was following the game. Canada coach Jon Cooper was asked if Crosby could play Sunday when Canada faces either Team USA or Slovakia for the gold medal.
“He’s got a lot better chance of playing Sunday than he did today,” Cooper reported.
Players said Crosby played a big role in the locker room between periods behind the scenes.
Cooper on the chance Crosby can play next game.
“He’s got a lot better chance of playing in the gold medal game than he did today”
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 20, 2026
Crosby suffered a right leg or knee injury on Wednesday in the quarterfinal against Czechia following a pair of hits by Radko Gudas. He limped to the dressing room almost immediately.
Team Canada players also glowingly spoke of Crosby’s involvement between periods of the 3-2 win over Finland.
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