Team Canada makes it official: Sidney Crosby ruled out vs. Finland, new captain named

Sidney Crosby has his status for the semifinals against Finland confirmed, having been injured against Czechia in Canada's 4-3 win.

As confirmed ahead of today's game against Finland, it is unfortunately official that Crosby will not be active, and is unable to go ahead for the semifinals:

Crosby, 38, has two goals, four assists, & six points in the tournament for Canada, having been on the Canadian third line throughout the majority of the Olympics.

It was reported yesterday that Crosby did not participate in an optional skate ahead of the semifinals, but practiced on his own ahead of the match, having been viewed as unlikely to play.

For Sidney Crosby, he can't avoid what could be his last game in his likely final Olympics. Now, Crosby will be key to Canada's success against the Finns, but not on the ice -- but as a huge motivating presence.

In the wake of Crosby's injury, Canada has adjusted their captaincy with Connor McDavid gets the C, while Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar earn the A.

Canada will need to run up the offense against the Finns, and be able to outscore a Finnish team that blanked Italy 11-0. That won't happen against Canada, but they're not afraid to go all in offensively, and without Crosby it won't necessarily be the easiest.

The Canadians will of course have their offense to rely on, but in their own end is key to victory. Jordan Binnington looked on shaky ground against Czechia before getting into the groove late in the game and in overtime.

They won't have Josh Morrissey however as the defender is set to miss another game after being injured in Canada's first preliminary round game vs. Czechia.

With a gold medal on the line, Canada will trust in their overpowered lineup in order to give Crosby one more chance at playing in Milan in 2026.

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