Sidney Crosby will not participate in the Olympic semifinal matchup against Finland. Hockey Canada announced his absence shortly before the game, which is set to start at 10:40 a.m. ET. The winner will proceed to the gold medal game on Sunday.
Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during the quarterfinal victory over Czechia. After being injured, he left the ice to receive medical attention. Elliotte Friedman, reporting from the Olympic event for CBC, noted that the team made significant efforts to allow Crosby to play. A custom brace was even created for him, but ultimately, he will not suit up for the semifinal.
Adjustment in Team Lineup
With Crosby sidelined, Connor McDavid has been appointed as the acting captain. Head coach Jon Cooper emphasized the uniqueness of Crosby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but expressed confidence in the team’s depth to compensate for his absence.
- Crosby’s replacement, Nick Suzuki, will play as third-line center.
- Bo Horvat and Seth Jarvis will play alongside Nathan MacKinnon on the second line.
- After missing the previous game, Sam Bennett returns, moving Sam Reinhart to the extra forward position.
- Josh Morrissey will miss his fourth game due to an undisclosed injury.
Starting Lines for Team Canada
The following are the confirmed lines for Team Canada:
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltender |
|---|---|---|
| Macklin Celebrini – Connor McDavid – Tom Wilson | Devon Toews – Cale Makar | Jordan Binnington |
| Bo Horvat – Nathan MacKinnon – Seth Jarvis | Thomas Harley – Colton Parayko | |
| Mitch Marner – Nick Suzuki – Mark Stone | Travis Sanheim – Drew Doughty | |
| Brandon Hagel – Sam Bennett – Brad Marchand | Shea Theodore |
As the team prepares for this crucial game, they face the challenge of competing without one of their most important players. The upcoming match against Finland will test their resilience and capability to adapt in high-pressure situations.
