Sidney Crosby and Team Canada advanced to the semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics after a 4-3 overtime win against Czechia on Wednesday.
The game stayed close, with Canada trailing twice before tying it late in the third period. Nick Suzuki scored with 3 minutes, 27 seconds left in regulation to tie the game. Mitch Marner then scored at 1:22 of overtime.
However, Canada was dealt a setback when Crosby, the team captain, exited in the second period after absorbing several hits from Czechia players. The 38-year-old made his way to the bench in discomfort and soon headed to the locker room.
Hockey Canada later confirmed he would not return, with the team trailing 2-1 at that point.
Before Friday's semifinal against Finland, coach Jon Cooper shared an update on Crosby’s condition.
“We got the best of the best looking at him,” Cooper said, via Mollie Walker on X. “We're taking this day by day, and we're not going to put anybody in harm's way. But if he can play, he's definitely going to. We’ll know more again in 24 hours.”
Cooper did not name a replacement captain, which is required under International Ice Hockey Federation rules, because the team has not ruled Crosby out.
Earlier, in the press conference after the game, Cooper said Crosby spoke to the team during the second intermission. The message helped the group stay focused as it entered the final period and eventually won the game.
With the uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s presence in Canada’s lineup, teammate Drew Doughty spoke about his importance.
“I don't even know what words to use. I mean, he's the guy that showed all the young guys, young players growing up, what it means to be Canadian,” Doughty said. “What it means to be a Canadian hockey player. Getting to play with him, I even feel that being a teammate of his. So that just shows you how special it is.”
In these Olympics, Crosby has two goals and four assists, tying him for third on the team in points. Canada now prepares for the semifinal with his availability uncertain.
Canada and Finland face off at 10:40 a.m. ET Friday on USA Network (joined at 11:50 a.m.) and Peacock for a trip to the gold-medal game. Team USA and Slovakia follow in the other semifinal at 3:10 p.m. ET Friday on NBC and Peacock.