Crosby not ruled out: Canada awaits its star in Olympic semifinals

Sidney Crosby in doubt for the Olympic semi-finals after injury

Sidney Crosby’s future in the Olympic tournament is uncertain, after suffering an injury during Canada’s victory over the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. Coach Jon Cooper stated that Crosby “is not ruled out” for the next games. The team is assessing the situation “day by day”, according to Cooper, who added that Crosby is undergoing an MRI to determine the extent of the injury to his lower body, apparently his right leg.

“We have the best professionals attending to it,” Cooper affirmed.
Jon Cooper, Coach of Canada

Sources indicate that Crosby wants to play if possible, but it is not yet known if he will be able to participate. The 38-year-old player did not participate in Thursday’s optional practice, after the exciting 4-3 overtime victory against the Czech Republic. Canada’s next match is the semi-final against Finland on Friday. Cooper emphasized that they will not risk anyone, but if Crosby can play, he definitely will. More information is expected in the next 24 hours. In the event that Crosby is unable to play, Olympic rules require another player to be named captain. Cooper did not want to announce a replacement on Thursday, given that Crosby has not been ruled out.

“It’s almost impossible to fill the void left by a player like him, but we will do our best,” said defenseman Drew Doughty.
Drew Doughty, Canada Defenseman

Crosby left the game against the Czech Republic in the second period after a play in which he received a hard hit. First, he braced for an impact from Radko Gudas, and seconds later, he was knocked down by Gudas and Martin Necas. Crosby returned to the bench, visibly in pain, and then limped to the locker room. After the game, Gudas expressed his hope that Crosby was okay and that he was just playing with intensity. Crosby is tied for third on the Canadian team with six points (two goals, four assists) in four games. He is the oldest player on Canada’s roster and one of the most decorated, especially after scoring the golden goal in overtime to defeat the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Nick Suzuki took Crosby’s place in the quarterfinals and scored the tying goal. Sam Bennett appears to be the forward who would step in if Crosby can’t play. Even if he’s not in uniform, his teammates expect Crosby to continue leading.