Sidney Crosby is not going to play for Team Canada in Sunday’s Olympic gold medal sport towards Team USA after the crew dominated out its captain Saturday evening. Connor McDavid will put on the “C” for the second consecutive sport as Canada chases gold at Milano Cortina 2026.Crosby missed his second straight sport with a lower-body damage he sustained in the course of the second interval of Wednesday’s quarterfinal towards Czechia. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain didn’t play in Canada’s 3-2 semifinal victory over Finland on Friday and can stay sidelined for the championship showdown.
Head Coach Jon Cooper remained constructive until ultimate minute to incorporate Sidney Crosby
Hope emerged Saturday when Crosby participated in Canada’s non-obligatory follow session at Santagiulia Arena. Head coach Jon Cooper indicated a ultimate willpower on his captain’s availability can be made Saturday night following conferences with medical workers and the participant.Cooper emphasised that Crosby wouldn’t jeopardize himself or the crew by enjoying by damage. The veteran coach made clear that Canada wanted gamers able to contributing at full power somewhat than dressing somebody as inspiration.“He won’t put himself in harm’s way,” Cooper mentioned following Saturday’s follow. “He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.” Canada will use the identical lineup deployed towards Finland, with Crosby and defenseman Josh Morrissey as the 2 skater scratches. Morrissey has battled an undisclosed damage all through the match, whereas third goaltender Darcy Kuemper completes the scratch checklist. McDavid served as Canada’s captain throughout Friday’s semifinal victory and can retain the duty Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will function alternate captains, as International Ice Hockey Federation guidelines require groups to designate a captain for each sport. The Edmonton Oilers heart has thrived in Crosby’s absence whereas main Canada by essential moments. McDavid set the Olympic document for many factors in a single match that includes NHL gamers with 13 factors, together with two targets and 11 assists by 5 video games. Crosby finishes the match with six factors, together with two targets and 4 assists in 4 video games. The 38-year-old captain pursued his third Olympic gold medal after capturing championship glory on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the place he scored the golden objective towards Team USA, and once more on the 2014 Sochi Olympics.With NHL gamers not being a part of the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Olympics, Milan is Crosby’s likelihood to win a 3rd gold. McDavid, in the meantime, leads Canada’s roster towards the Americans’ quest for his or her first Olympic gold because the Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid in 1980.
