Canada's Crosby ruled out for Olympic semifinal against Finland

Team captain suffered lower-body injury in quarterfinal win over Czechia

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Sidney Crosby will not be available for Canada's Friday Olympic semifinal game against Finland after suffering a lower-body injury during the team's quarterfinal victory over Czechia, Hockey Canada announced. Connor McDavid will act as Canada's captain in Crosby's absence, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates.

Why it matters

Crosby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a key player for Canada's national team. His absence is a significant blow to Canada's chances of winning another gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

The details

Crosby left the quarterfinal game in the second period after being hit along the boards by Czechia's Martin Nečas and Radko Gudas. He was seen shaking his right leg before exiting the ice and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Canada went on to win the game 4-3 in overtime, but Crosby's status for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain.

  • Crosby left the game in the second period after being hit along the boards.
  • Crosby did not participate in an optional practice on Thursday but skated during a closed session on Friday morning.
  • Canada's semifinal game against Finland is scheduled for Friday.

The players

Sidney Crosby

Canada's captain and a two-time Olympic gold medalist who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal game against Czechia.

Connor McDavid

Will act as Canada's captain in Crosby's absence.

Cale Makar

Will serve as an alternate captain for Canada.

Nathan MacKinnon

Will serve as an alternate captain for Canada.

Martin Nečas

Czechia player who was involved in the hit that injured Crosby.

Radko Gudas

Czechia player who was also involved in the hit that injured Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“He's Sidney Crosby. He's going to have a big influence no matter what. In the lineup, not in the lineup, he's going to have a big influence. That's what he does.”

— Connor McDavid (Yahoo Sports)

“It's the Olympics. Anytime these guys get an opportunity to represent their countries, I'm just happy for them. To play in a tournament like that, to be playing in that setting, that is something I think everybody dreams of.”

— Dan Muse, Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach (Tribune Review)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Crosby's injury is a significant blow to Canada's chances of winning another gold medal at the Winter Olympics, but his leadership and influence will still be felt by the team even if he is unable to play.