Sidney Crosby did not point fingers after the hit that will sideline him for at least four weeks.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain suffered a lower-body injury during Canada’s quarterfinal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. The play involved Radko Gudas stepping up for a routine check. Crosby said he had no issue with the hit and called it part of the game.
“I didn’t have a problem with the play,” Crosby said, via Pens Inside Scoop. “He was trying to be physical and step up. Play hard as any defenseman would. It went the wrong way as far as my end of it. I don’t think he should feel the need to reach out or anything like that. It’s hockey and that stuff happens. Unfortunately, it’s one of those things.”
Crosby missed the semifinal win against Finland and the overtime loss to the United States in the gold medal game. He still joined his teammates on the ice to accept the silver medal. Crosby posted six points in four Olympic games before the injury.
Also read: Sidney Crosby Injury Update Emerges Before Semifinals Against Finland
The Penguins (29-15-12) now move forward without their leading scorer. Crosby has 59 points in 56 games and ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in points and assists. Pittsburgh sits second in the Metropolitan Division and aims to end a three-year playoff drought.
Sidney Crosby’s Team Canada’s run in the 2026 Olympics
Team Canada made a strong run at the 2026 Winter Olympics before falling in the final. Canada opened group play with a 5-0 win over Czechia, a 5-1 win over Switzerland, and a 10-2 win over France. The team scored 20 goals in three preliminary games and carried that form into the knockout stage.
Canada defeated Czechia 4-3 in overtime in the quarterfinals. It then beat Finland 3-2 in the semifinals to reach the gold medal game. In the final, Canada lost 2-1 in overtime to the United States.
Connor McDavid earned tournament MVP honors. He finished with 13 points, the most among forwards. Just behind him in the scoring race was a young San Jose Sharks forward, who also had a strong tournament.