One of the major risks that NHL players have accepted in returning to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014 is that they could suffer an injury that potentially derails their season.
We’ve already seen such an example, as Los Angeles Kings forward Kevin Fiala has undergone season-ending surgery after taking a hit from Tom Wilson of Team Canada.
And now, it appears as though Team Canada (and potentially, the Pittsburgh Penguins) could be experiencing the same kind of worry.
Team Canada Sidney Crosby was injured during Wednesday’s elimination quarterfinal contest after taking a heavy hit from Team Czechia’s Radko Gudas. It wouldn’t be long before Canada would ultimately rule Crosby out for the remainder of the contest, which ultimately resulted in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory to eliminate Czechia.
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Pittsburgh Penguins Team Captain Sidney Crosby Was Injured In Canada’s Dramatic Overtime Win
Crosby, who once again assumed the captaincy for Team Canada in the Olympics, was hurt after taking a heavy hit from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
While Crosby was eventually able to leave the ice under his own power, television cameras caught him limping to the team dressing room with a trainer by his side.
Canada, who trailed by a 2-1 score at the time, eventually rallied for a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory thanks to a goal from Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner in the extra session.
Crosby had scored two goals while adding four assists so far in the Olympics. Right now, his status for Team Canada’s next contest has yet to be officially determined.
2026 marks the third time in Crosby’s Hall of Fame career that he’s represented Canada in Olympic play, with the previous two occasions resulting in gold medal victories. First, he tallied the iconic “Golden Goal” for Canada over the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Games, followed by another gold medal win over Sweden in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games.
Team Canada Survived A Scare Against Czechia And Rallied For An Overtime Win Without Crosby
Canada, who trailed 2-1 at the time of Crosby’s injury, eventually rallied twice and ultimately secured victory thanks to a goal from Mitch Marner in overtime.
After a first period goal from San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini to break the ice for Canada, Czechia took a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Lukas Sedlak and Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak .
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon scored to knot the game at 2-2 in the second period, only to have New York Islanders forward Ondrej Palat give his club the lead with just under eight minutes to go in regulation.
However, Montréal Canadiens team captain Nick Suzuki tied the game with a nifty deflection past Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal, setting up overtime. Eventually, it was Marner securing victory for Canada with a tremendous solo effort, breaking through the neutral zone and in close on Dostal before roofing a backhand shot past his glove.
Now that Canada avoided what would have been a devastating loss, the focus is now on Crosby and his health.
Devastating Injury News Strikes Pittsburgh Penguins, Team Canada