Crosby Leaves Olympic Quarterfinal With Leg Injury, Future Participation Uncertain
Updated (3 articles)
Crosby Forced Out After Leg Buckles From Gudas Hit Sidney Crosby left the Canada‑Czechia quarterfinal in the second period when his right leg buckled after a hard check by Czech defenseman Radko Gudas; he did not return to the ice and his availability for the rest of the tournament remains unknown[1]. Earlier in the period, Ondřej Palát delivered an unpenalized hit that sent Crosby crashing into the boards, setting up the sequence that led to the injury[1]. The injury occurred at Milan’s venue during the 2026 Winter Olympics, prompting immediate medical evaluation on the bench[1].
Canada Overcomes Deficit, Wins Overtime to Reach Semifinals After Crosby’s exit, Canada erased a two‑goal deficit with 7:42 remaining in regulation, spurred by the captain’s motivational words at intermission[1]. The team tied the game and secured an overtime goal, advancing to the semifinals despite being down a star player[1]. The victory highlighted depth contributions from forwards and defensemen who stepped up in the captain’s absence[1].
Coach Cooper Emphasizes Health, Teamments Rally Around Captain Head coach Jon Cooper stressed the need to keep Crosby healthy, noting that the next match—a semifinal on Friday—should not become his final Olympic appearance[1]. Defenseman Drew Doughty urged the squad to keep playing, while 19‑year‑old forward Macklin Celebrini asked fans for good thoughts for Crosby’s recovery[1]. Veteran winger Tom Wilson called Crosby “the best in the world” and encouraged teammates to fill the leadership void[1].
Crosby Enters Tournament as Two‑Time Gold Medalist With Strong Stats The 38‑year‑old captain arrives as a two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist, having scored the 2010 golden‑goal and captained the 2014 gold‑winning team[1]. In the three preliminary games in Milan, Crosby recorded two goals and four assists, demonstrating continued offensive production[1]. His experience and point‑per‑game pace have been central to Canada’s early tournament success[1].
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Timeline
1980 – The United States men’s hockey team wins Olympic gold in the “Miracle on Ice,” establishing a benchmark the 2026 squad hopes to recapture. [1]
2002 – Former NHL star Keith Tkachuk earns a silver medal for the United States, creating a family Olympic legacy that his sons later inherit. [1]
2006 – Brady and Matthew Tkachuk attend the Turin Games as children, gaining early exposure to the Olympic Village atmosphere. [1]
2010 – The United States men’s hockey team fails to reach the podium, extending a medal drought that lasts until 2026. [1]
June 2025 – Brady (26) and Matthew (28) Tkachuk are announced as two of the first six players on Team USA’s roster for the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games, confirming their Olympic participation. [1]
Early 2025 (4‑Nations Face‑Off) – Team USA displays strong on‑ice chemistry; GM Bill Guerin praises the roster’s depth and the chemistry forged during the tournament. [1]
Feb 5, 2026 – The NHL suspends play after this batch of games, allowing selected players to travel to Italy for the Olympics. [1]
Feb 12, 2026 – Team USA’s first preliminary Olympic match is scheduled against Latvia. [1]
Feb 1, 2026 (Sunday night) – Anthony Cirelli suffers an injury during Tampa Bay’s outdoor Stadium Series game versus Boston, prompting Hockey Canada to seek a replacement. [3]
Feb 3, 2026 – Sam Bennett joins Canada’s Olympic roster as Cirelli’s injury replacement, despite having missed Florida’s game the night before with an upper‑body issue. [3]
Feb 18, 2026 – Sidney Crosby exits Canada’s quarter‑final against Czechia after a right‑leg injury from a hit by Radko Gudas, leaving his tournament status uncertain. [2]
Feb 18, 2026 (intermission) – Crosby urges his teammates, saying, “We’ve got to finish this,” before leaving the game. [2]
Feb 18, 2026 – Coach Jon Cooper stresses, “We need to keep Sidney healthy; we don’t want this to be his last game,” as Canada prepares for the semifinal. [2]
Feb 18, 2026 – Teammates respond: defenseman Drew Doughty declares “the game must go on,” forward Macklin Celebrini asks for good thoughts, and winger Tom Wilson calls Crosby “the best in the world.” [2]