Sidney Crosby skates ahead of Team Canada's semifinal game, doubtful to play

Canada's captain has been dealing with a lower-body injury since leaving the quarterfinal game against Czechia.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Sidney Crosby skated in a closed session on Friday morning ahead of Team Canada's semifinal matchup against Finland at the Winter Olympics, but is doubtful to return to game action. Crosby left Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Czechia in the second period with a lower-body injury. While Crosby did not practice on Thursday, Canada's head coach said he was "by no means ruled out of the tournament" and they are "taking this day-by-day." However, it appears Crosby will not play on Friday, but the team could still face the winner of USA-Slovakia in the gold medal game on Sunday or the bronze medal game on Saturday.

Why it matters

Sidney Crosby is the captain and star player for Team Canada, so his potential absence would be a major blow to their chances of winning gold at the Olympics. Crosby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the best hockey players in the world, so his health status is closely watched by hockey fans around the world.

The details

Crosby has two goals and four assists for six points through parts of four games at the Winter Olympics. He left the quarterfinal game against Czechia in the second period with a lower-body injury. While Crosby did not practice on Thursday, Canada's head coach said he was "by no means ruled out of the tournament" and they are "taking this day-by-day." However, it appears Crosby will not play in Friday's semifinal game against Finland.

  • On Friday morning, Crosby skated in a closed session ahead of the semifinal matchup against Finland.
  • Crosby left Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Czechia in the second period with a lower-body injury.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The captain and star player for Team Canada, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the best hockey players in the world.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Bryan Rust

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby's NHL team.

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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What they’re saying

“We're not going to put anyone in harm's way. But if he can play, he's definitely going to.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Canadian Men's Hockey Team (cbsnews.com)

“The opportunity to represent your country at the highest level, I think, guys are more than willing to accept that risk.”

— Bryan Rust, Forward, Pittsburgh Penguins (cbsnews.com)

“It's the Olympics, any time these guys get an opportunity to represent their countries, I'm happy for them.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

If Canada wins against Finland, they will advance to the gold medal game on Sunday where they will face the winner of the USA-Slovakia semifinal. If Canada loses to Finland, they will play in the bronze medal game on Saturday.

The takeaway

Sidney Crosby's potential absence would be a major blow to Canada's chances of winning gold at the Olympics, but the team is taking a cautious approach to his injury and will not rush him back if he is not fully healthy. Crosby's commitment to representing his country at the highest level is a testament to the pride and passion of Olympic athletes.