Team Canada finally releases Sidney Crosby’s status update fans were waiting for
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Positive, yet uncertain news for team Canada as captain Sidney Crosby is not ruled out for Canada's semifinals vs. Finland, but hasn't been confirmed to play, according to head coach Jon Cooper.
Sidney Crosby underwent an MRI after suffering a lower-body injury in Canada's quarterfinal game vs. Czechia Wednesday which means major lineup changes might be ahead.
Unfortunately for Team Canada, they ended up losing their captain as Sidney Crosby left their quarterfinal game vs. Czechia after getting hit by defenceman Radko Gudas.
The hit led to Crosby being in pain on the bench before eventually making his way to the locker room where he remained the rest of the game. He was a motivating factor in Canada's win, but his status for the rest of the Olympics remains unclear.
Crosby being sent for MRI and the results are in
Having been evaluated and sent to an Italian hospital to get an MRI to assess the damage. The awkward landing and clear pain Crosby was in made it clear this is more than just a stinger.
Well, we know the situation regarding Crosby after his evaluation and it's safe to say it's not exactly the news Canadian fans wanted/a much needed relief, but a more positive one.
Cooper says that more will be known tomorrow about if Crosby, as well as defenseman Josh Morrissey, will be able to play against Finland.
Thankfully for Canada, Crosby isn't ruled out against the Finns, but it doesn't confirm his status for tomorrow, although it's not a surprising one that Canada is being cautious in not ruling out their captain.
Crosby's results certainly paint a black mark/give some anxiety relief to the Canadian side as they continue their quest for gold, and their game vs. Finland is sure to be must see hockey -- especially knowing what's up with Crosby.
It's rough for Canada considering they are going to have no time to really wait and see how things are. The gold medal game is this weekend, and by the time Crosby would be ready to go, the Games are going to be long gone.
Canada needs some heavy lineup shuffling with Crosby injury
So for Jon Cooper, it becomes a real task to find his captain's replacement if Crosby does not play. He has Sam Bennett he can throw back into the lineup, and he may need Bo Horvat to move up to the third line.
They also have Nick Suzuki who can slide into the center spot, and looked a lot more comfortable there on Wednesday as opposed to the wing so look to Cooper to perhaps utilize him more.
It would be a massive loss for the Canadians to be without their captain, but if any team can withstand that type of loss -- it's Canada.
Jon Cooper will be first to let everyone knows how Sid the Kid is doing, but for now a whole country holds their breath as they prepare for what could be some really disheartening news.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Brad Marchand sat out two Team Canada games, and we now know why
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 19|1253 ANSWERS Team Canada finally releases Sidney Crosby’s status update fans were waiting for Do you think Sidney Crosby is going to miss the rest of the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 675 | 53.9 % |
| No | 578 | 46.1 % |
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