Sidney Crosby’s injury status determined before Canada’s gold medal game vs. USA
After missing Team Canada’s semifinal win over Team Finland on Friday, Sidney Crosby continues to work toward a return to the ice in time for his team’s gold medal matchup with Team USA.
About 24 hours before the gold medal matchup, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper provided a key update on his captain’s injury status.
“Jon Cooper injury updates: Sidney Crosby: Sidney Crosby skated today,” read a post from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman to his X account. “‘Game-time decision.’”
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Friedman added that Team Canada defenseman John Morrissey will not play in Sunday’s Olympic final.
Connor McDavid replaced Crosby as the Canadian captain for their matchup against the Finns and is likely to do the same if his teammate is unable to suit up for Sunday’s gold medal game.
“Hopefully just borrow it,” said McDavid of taking over the ‘C’ from his teammate. “Keeping the seat warm for him.”
Crosby’s injury occurred during his team’s quarterfinal win over Czechia, when a jarring hit forced him from the ice. The 38-year-old has been a key component for Team Canada at these Olympics, netting two goals and adding four assists in four games played. Crosby has tallied seven goals and nine assists throughout his 17-game career at the Winter Games, including gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
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Canada stormed back to beat Finland 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Nathan MacKinnon, which came with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period. Team USA advanced to the gold medal game with a 6-2 domination of Team Slovakia in their semifinal. The Americans lost a key player of their own during the victory, as Tage Thompson left the game with a lower-body injury. However, U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan revealed after Friday’s win that Thompson was removed from the contest for precautionary reasons and is likely to play against Team Canada on Sunday.
The gold medal game is scheduled for 8:10 a.m. ET as the Canadians look to return to glory for the first time since 2014, while Team USA hopes to reach the mountaintop for the first time since 1980.
