MILAN — Sidney Crosby missed the gold medal game for Team Canada against Team USA, which ended in a 2-1 loss at Santagiulia Arena on Sunday. This marks the second game he’s missed due to a lower-body injury he picked up in the quarterfinals against Team Czechia.
Crosby didn’t participate in the semifinal victory against Team Finland either. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “It was pretty close. Ultimately, I wasn’t able to go out there and do what I needed to do to help the team.” He appreciated how hard the team fought, noting, “In every facet, we were so good today. I thought we deserved better.”
In his absence, Canada maintained the same lineup as in the semifinal. Defenseman Josh Morrissey was also sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. Additionally, Darcy Kuemper did not play as the third goalie. Despite Crosby skating during an optional practice on Saturday, the decision for his participation came down to player safety. Coach Jon Cooper remarked, “He won’t put himself in harm’s way. He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.”
The impact of Crosby’s absence is significant. He’s not just the team captain; he inspires others. According to a recent survey conducted by Sportsnet, over 70% of fans believe Crosby is a crucial player for Canada’s chances in big games. His leadership and skills on ice are deeply missed during crucial moments.
This loss was a tough moment for Canada, especially given their strong performance overall in the tournament. Historically, Canada has dominated international hockey, winning the most gold medals. However, injuries can alter the course of a tournament, a reality echoed in sports today. Recent stats show that injuries have become a persistent issue in hockey, with nearly 30% of NHL games affected by player absences in the last season alone.
Fans reacted passionately on social media, expressing their disappointment but also pride in the team’s effort. Many shared messages of support for Crosby and highlighted the resilience shown by Team Canada throughout the tournament.
