During Canada’s dramatic overtime victory over Czechia in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby was forced out of the game with an injury.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan relayed word from Canadian head coach Jon Cooper post game, who said that he didn’t know the extent of Crosby’s injury. According to Kaplan, Crosby will undergo medical imaging to determine the extent of the lower-body injury he suffered. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Hockey Canada is expected to issue an update on Crosby’s status on Thursday.
As one of the most iconic players in the history of Canadian international hockey competition, Crosby’s status is one of the key storylines to watch as the tournament progresses into the semifinal stage. At this point in time, one can only speculate on whether Crosby will be available for the rest of the tournament.
If Crosby is unavailable, it goes without saying that would be a massive loss for Canada. Crosby has six points in the tournament and his line with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone has been one of Canada’s best.
Any extended absence would also impact the Penguins. Pittsburgh is in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, in large part powered by Crosby’s 59 points in 56 games. Losing Crosby, even for a brief period of time, would make winning on a nightly basis far more challenging for the Penguins.
As of right now, all Canada and Penguins fans can do is wait for Hockey Canada to issue an update regarding Crosby and hope it’s positive.
“Not his last Olympic game” Johnny Boy Cooper.
He’ll be back in 2030.
Cool.
Love losing our best player for this global money laundering scheme.
How much money do you think Olympic hockey is generating? This just in: despite your lack of knowledge on the topic, NHL players asked to participate in this tournament. Go ahead and give be your best rant.
This is the reason why I hate having NHL players play in the Olympics. Luckily, my hurricanes didn’t lose anyone. Leave the Olympics for the amateurs. Don’t risk the health of NHL players.
It is collectively bargained. The players really wanted it, and the NHL relented. I appreciate your take as a fan, but they don’t take your opinion into account
And yet, if this is a long term injury it likely killed the Pens’ season. I get your valid point but maybe the powers that be should take such an occurrence into account. If this is as bad as it appears, what a ridiculous situation to be in
Not to be overlooked but we had 3 OT games in the quarter finals… The product is good. Injuries are always part of the game. Fans, it is not your money or your body.
Don’t attempt to talk reality with the ranting blowhard crowd that infests this site. They believe that they run the NHL because they periodically purchase a ticket to a game.