The Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice on Wednesday in Cranberry was filled with energy. Coach Dan Muse led a brisk 90-minute session, keeping the players engaged and focused, as they worked hard on the ice.
However, the mood shifted dramatically as news broke from a world away. Sid Crosby, the team captain and one of hockey’s biggest stars, suffered an undisclosed injury while playing for Canada in the Olympics in Milan. During a game against Czechia, Crosby collided awkwardly with defenseman Radko Gudas, causing concern among fans and teammates alike.
Though the collision was not widely shown due to restrictions on video from the Olympics, it appeared Crosby’s leg buckled during impact. After the hit, he struggled and eventually left the ice for evaluation. Following a close 4-3 overtime win for Canada, coach Jon Cooper said they didn’t have clear details on Crosby’s condition, but he acknowledged the captain’s presence was a motivating factor for the team.
“(Crosby) couldn’t come out for the third, but he addressed the players,” Cooper said. “It was big for the guys.”
As news spread among the Penguins’ players practicing in Cranberry, they were concerned about their leader. Muse shared his surprise, saying he learned of Crosby’s injury as he walked down the hallway. “You’re always keeping tabs on everything,” he noted.
Crosby’s injury raises concerns similar to past incidents in Olympic history. The NHL has had a complicated relationship with the Olympics since first participating in 1998. For instance, in 2018, the league did not send players due to insurance disputes following significant injuries from past tournaments, leading to debates about players’ safety.
One notable incident involved John Tavares in 2014, who suffered a severe knee injury that affected the New York Islanders’ season. His then-general manager criticized the NHL’s participation in the Olympics.
Data from recent years shows a continued debate on this topic. According to a survey by the National Hockey League Players’ Association, about 70% of players support participating in the Olympics, despite the risks. The IIHF and NHL have negotiated to allow player participation, but safety concerns remain paramount, especially highlighted by injuries this year.
For example, Swiss forward Kevin Fiala suffered multiple leg fractures at this tournament, ending his season. The Los Angeles Kings now face the challenge of competing without him, as he was a key contributor to their playoff efforts.
Crosby’s status is still uncertain, but his health is essential for the Penguins. Bryan Rust, a teammate, emphasized Crosby’s importance: “He’s the heart and soul of this organization.”
While Crosby and a few other Penguins are in the Olympic spotlight, Muse focuses on the opportunity for players to represent their countries. “It’s the Olympics,” he said. “This is something everyone dreams of.”
As the Penguins aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Crosby’s well-being will significantly impact the team’s chances.
For further reading on the NHL’s participation in the Olympics and related player safety issues, check out NHL.com.
