Sidney Crosby‘s availability for Canada’s gold medal game against the United States remains uncertain due to an undisclosed injury ahead of the highly anticipated Olympic final.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported that Crosby has approximately a 70% chance of suiting up for the championship matchup. Team officials are monitoring how the captain responds to practice sessions while determining what limitations he might face if cleared to play.
“Am told the chances Crosby plays in the Gold medal game are in the 70% range,” Rishaug posted on X. “Seeing how he responds to his skate today and figuring out what his limitations might be are all part of the process tonight and tomorrow.”
The news sparked reactions from Canadian hockey fans on social media. Many expressed confidence that Crosby would find a way onto the ice regardless of his condition.
Following are some fan reaction from X:
“100% chance he plays. You don’t sit these games out unless you’re dead. He might not play much but he will play. Mark my words.”
“Anybody that thinks the chances of Crosby not playing in a gold medal Olympic final is anything but 100% is a moron,” quipped one user.
“If he can’t play imo he will still dress and be on the bench. Sid won’t miss the game. All the players would support this move also. He’s too much of an inspiration for Canada. He’s in book it,” commented one fan.
Some fans cautioned against rushing Crosby back from injury. The potential risk of playing at less than full strength against a physical American team concerned several supporters.
“I hope he does attempt to play and then costs Canada because he is injured, Crosby IMO will sit himself if he doesn’t feel 100%, unlike others who say they can play but should admit they cant play to let a healthy player take their spot for betterment of the team!” read one comment.
“If he does he won’t be 100% though,” wrote one fan.
“If he plays, he’ll only play one period. They haven’t played a hard hitting team like USA yet,” commented another user.
The 38-year-old captain is seeking his third Olympic gold medal after previous triumphs at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. At Vancouver 2010, Crosby became a national hero by scoring the iconic “Golden Goal” in overtime against the United States. Four years later, as team captain in Sochi, he led Canada to another gold medal victory over Sweden.
Head coach Jon Cooper shared an update on Sidney Crosby
The same day, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the latest update from Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper regarding Sidney Crosby.
Crosby is now considered day-to-day as Canada prepares for Sunday’s championship showdown against the United States.
“Sidney Crosby skated today. There’s a chance he plays tomorrow. Game-time decision,” Cooper stated Saturday.
The injury occurred during Canada’s quarterfinal match against Czechia when Crosby took two hard hits from Radko Gudas and Martin Necas early in the second period. He spent just 5:55 minutes on the ice before leaving the game with visible discomfort. Despite his absence, Canada rallied to win 4-3 in overtime after his teammates were inspired by his message to “go get it, boys.”
Crosby was ruled out of Canada’s semifinal against Finland which the team won to advance to the gold medal game.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
