Team Canada may get a major boost for its Olympic gold medal clash against Team USA on Sunday with the possible return of captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old star missed Canada’s 3-2 semifinal win over Finland after sustaining a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia, but participated in practice on Saturday, leaving his status as a game-time decision.
Canadian head coach Jon Cooper emphasized that Crosby will only play if fully capable of helping the team, saying, “He won’t put himself in harm’s way. He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.” Cooper added that Crosby’s presence would be invaluable both on the ice and as an inspiration, but confirmed that the decision will be finalized after a team meeting.
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With Crosby sidelined against Finland, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid wore the captain’s “C” on his jersey. McDavid praised Crosby’s positive influence despite his absence, noting the captain remained engaged and supportive throughout the tournament. “We’ve done that, and we’ll see,” McDavid said, referring to giving Crosby a chance to participate if possible.
On the U.S. side, Tage Thompson returned to practice after leaving the team’s 6-2 win over Slovakia in the third period as a precaution. Both teams are expected to field strong lineups for the highly anticipated gold medal matchup, which is set to begin at 8:10 a.m. ET Sunday.
Crosby’s potential return would mark a critical moment for Canada, providing leadership, skill, and experience in a high-stakes Olympic final. Fans and players alike await confirmation of his status, knowing that his participation could influence the outcome against a formidable U.S. squad. This game promises to be a showdown between two hockey powerhouses, with Crosby’s presence potentially tipping the balance.
