Penguins' Crosby Out 4 Weeks After Olympic Injury

Captain will miss key stretch as Pittsburgh fights for playoff spot

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss at least four weeks after suffering a lower-body injury while playing for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Crosby was injured during a knockout-round win over Czechia and did not dress for Canada's final two games, including the gold-medal loss to the United States.

Why it matters

Crosby's absence is a major blow for the Penguins, who are battling for a playoff spot in the crowded Metropolitan Division. The team will need others to step up during a busy post-Olympic schedule as they try to return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

The details

Crosby was injured after absorbing multiple hard checks along the boards. He was seen favoring his right leg before heading to the locker room and later underwent an MRI. Although he was considered a possibility for Canada's final two games, he did not dress for either the semifinal against Finland or the gold-medal matchup.

  • Crosby was injured during Canada's knockout-round win over Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
  • Crosby did not dress for Canada's semifinal against Finland or the gold-medal game.
  • The Penguins have placed Crosby on injured reserve, and he is expected to miss at least four weeks.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby is a 21-year NHL veteran and the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

Radko Gudas

The Czech defenseman who delivered the hit that led to Crosby's injury during the Olympic tournament.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL team that Crosby plays for, currently second in the Metropolitan Division and fighting to return to the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“It feels good. Obviously, I want to be back out there as soon as possible. Just have to figure out what that looks like, how long it's going to be and find a way to make sure that I'm at my best when I come back.”

— Sidney Crosby (dailyfly.com)

“I didn't have a problem with the play. [Radko Gudas] was trying to be physical and step up. Play hard as any defenseman would. It went the wrong way as far as my end of it. I don't think he should feel the need to reach out or anything like that. It's hockey and that stuff happens.”

— Sidney Crosby (dailyfly.com)

“I was pretty close I mean, ultimately I wasn't able to go out there and do what I needed to do in order to help the team, so at that point, you've got to make a decision that's best for the group. Not an easy one. But, you know, that's hockey.”

— Sidney Crosby (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The Penguins will need to find a way to stay in the playoff hunt during Crosby's absence, which could last through the end of the regular season. The team's performance without their captain will be closely watched.

The takeaway

Crosby's injury is a significant setback for the Penguins, who are counting on their veteran leader to guide them back to the playoffs. The team's depth and resilience will be tested as they try to weather this storm and keep their postseason hopes alive.