Sidney Crosby explains why he couldn’t play in the gold medal game: ‘I couldn’t help the team win’

Unfortunately for Team Canada, they were unable to hold off the Americans as they fell 2-1 in overtime during the gold medal game after Jack Hughes played the hero for Team USA, giving them their first gold medal in 46 years.

However the big story heading into the game was the status of Sidney Crosby, as there was a lot of hope that he could find his way into the lineup but that was not meant to be, as the team ruled him out ahead of the final game.

No doubt a morale hit to the lineup, Crosby was no doubt a part of things in the locker room and was providing as much help, support and motivation as possible though it wasn't enough.

Post-game, Crosby had the unenviable task of facing the media afterwards and upon being asked how he felt, held nothing back that he was frustrated he couldn't be involved:

While a silver medal is nothing to be upset about, it was the fact that this could have been Crosby's last chance for Olympic gold given his age and the four-year gap between now and the next games.

It doesn't exactly just land on Crosby either, as the Canadian side had more than enough chances to get things done, including a 5-on-3 power-play that should have given them at least one goal.

Mix in a couple untimely missed open nets, and the danger of wide open ice in 2-on-3 overtime -- it was too much for the Canadians it seems.

But you can tell how terrible Crosby felt about not being a part of things and how important this meant to him, though he will still go down as the greatest hockey player in Canadian Olympic history, and if he stays healthy does have a shot at making it again albeit at 42 years old.

It won't be a guarantee though, and if this injury causes issues down the line then we can look back and realize that this truly was the end.

For now though, he has to sit with the fact that this year was just not meant to be and his focus now turns to the Penguins where he has a chance to add to his legacy there with another Stanley Cup.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews make one thing clear about Sidney Crosby before gold