Team Canada is gearing up for the semifinals against Finland on the Olympics. After beating Czechia in extra time within the quarterfinals, the gold medal favorites are almost back in motion. Canada captain Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury against Czechia, but continues to be doubtful for the semifinals. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug has the newest from the Olympics.
“As planned Crosby skated this morning in a closed ice session. Stays doubtful for tonight but definitely a superb sign he was capable of test things out,” Rishaug reported.
Crosby left the Czechia game within the second period with a lower-body injury as a result of a success from Radko Gudas. Having played within the Olympics twice before, Crosby is searching for a historic third Gold Medal. He spoke to the team between the second and third periods, and the team rallied around, ensuring that was not the tip of his Olympic profession.
Canada could also be without their captain for the semifinals against Finland. That may put Nick Suzuki back at center, where he’s more comfortable, and convey Sam Bennett back into the lineup. The Florida Panthers forward missed the quarterfinals as a result of an illness.
Crosby was considered “unlikely” to play on Thursday afternoon, with a Friday skate looming. The indisputable fact that he took that skate is nice news for Canada and the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they might should beat Finland without him. If any team at these Olympics is ready to lose a player like Crosby, it’s Canada. But their captain can be missed.
In keeping with Pierre LeBrun, Canada would should name another person their captain if Crosby couldn’t play. Connor McDavid and Cale Makar are the alternates, so one among them would likely wear the ‘C’. If that happens, it might be the primary Canadian best-on-best game without Crosby because the captain since 2010.