CRANBERRY, Pa. — Sidney Crosby will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a lower-body injury. The 38-year-old center got hurt during a key match between Canada and Czechia in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Winter Games in Milan on February 18.
He missed a semifinal win against Finland but was close to playing in the gold medal game against the United States. After the final, Crosby shared, “I was a lot closer than I thought.” He praised the team’s medical staff but understood he needed more time. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t something I could do,” he added.
During the tournament, Crosby performed well, scoring six points in four games. Even after his injury, he participated on the ice to receive his silver medal. Reflecting on his Olympic journey, he avoided thoughts of retirement, saying, “I try not to think that far ahead.” With the next Olympics in 2030, Crosby will be nearly 42 years old.
Crosby chose not to reveal specifics about his injury, saying, “I probably could, but probably won’t.” Despite the setback, he remains the Penguins’ leading scorer this season, racking up 59 points in 56 games. Teammate Kris Letang remarked on Crosby’s resilience, noting he usually plays through injuries. “It takes a lot to make him miss games,” Letang said. “Now, we just want him to take the time to recover.”
Crosby didn’t skate during practice recently but appeared to support young players at a clinic. “I feel good. I want to be back out there as soon as possible,” he said, emphasizing the importance of his recovery. The Penguins are currently second in the Metropolitan Division and will face the New Jersey Devils soon.
Crosby expressed that his focus during the Olympics was only on playing and not on his NHL team. “The opportunity to play in the Olympics was my focus,” he stated. He consulted doctors throughout the process, ensuring he was honest about his abilities.
This year, the Penguins are working to break a playoff drought that has lasted three seasons. Crosby has seen a lot of playoff success, being a three-time Stanley Cup champion and earning multiple MVP awards. “That’s why we play,” he said of the playoffs’ excitement. “The Olympics were wonderful, but I’m geared toward playoff performance.”
Historically, Crosby ranks highly in NHL statistics, sitting eighth all-time in points and 15th in goals. His playoff points are among the top six in NHL history. Recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players, he has won numerous awards, underscoring his talent over the years.
Teammate Bryan Rust acknowledged the team’s need to step up during Crosby’s absence. “Anytime anyone is out, we all have to elevate our game,” he said. Despite recent challenges, the Penguins have maintained an impressive record and are hopeful about the future. Crosby remains optimistic about the team’s ability to adapt and succeed. “We’ve shown that we can overcome injuries and find ways to win,” he stated. “It’s a crucial stretch ahead, and we’re confident in our collective strength.”
