Latest on Sidney Crosby's Status Heading Into Gold Medal Game

Connor McDavid said he just wanted to keep the 'C' warm for Sidney Crosby during the Olympic semi final, and it turns out, that could exactly be the case. Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Crosby is a game-time decision, and hasn't been ruled out to play against Team USA in the gold medal game.

It's the best-case scenario for the team, as there was growing speculation that Crosby wouldn't be an option, but the fact he hasn't been ruled out just yet, is a great sign for all of Canada. Crosby was injured in Canada's quarterfinal matchup against Czechia after an awkward collision with borderline goon, Radko Gudas.

Canada's training staff has tried to find a custom brace for Crosby's leg to help support the ailment, but before Finland in the semi finals, wasn't able to find a brace that not only fit Crosby, but also limited the pain in his leg.

The chances of Sidney Crosby playing in the Gold medal game are in the 70% range 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/MMEljazl5s

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 21, 2026

Cooper has made it clear, if Crosby is going to play, he's going to be 100% asked to contribute regularly, and won't just be dressing to sit on the bench as morale support."No. It's too important," Cooper said, per TSN's Mark Masters. "We don't want to have somebody in there as an inspiration when we could have a player capable of helping. You never know if guys are going to get hurt. He wouldn't want to do that either."

Crosby collected six points in four games before going down with injury. Captain Canada traveled to Milan in search of his third Olympic gold medal after victories in 2010 and 2014. 

Photo credit:  Geoff Burke-Imagn Images