Canada's Olympic hockey team will face Finland in the semifinal without its captain, Sidney Crosby. The decision was announced by Hockey Canada shortly before the game. Crosby's absence marks a significant change for the Canadian squad as they aim for a spot in the gold-medal game. Connor McDavid will wear the captain's "C" for Canada in Crosby's stead.
Road to the Semifinal
Canada advanced to the semifinal round, where a win would secure a place in the gold-medal game on Sunday. The opposing team in this crucial match is Finland. The other semifinal will feature Slovakia against the United States.
Canada's Quarterfinal Victory: Canada secured their semifinal berth by defeating the Czech Republic in their quarterfinal match. Sidney Crosby reportedly sustained an injury during this game, though details surrounding the exact moment of injury are not explicitly stated.
Finland's Progress: Finland also advanced to the semifinal, making one lineup change by bringing Oliver Kapanen in for Eeli Tolvanen.
Injury Status and Team Efforts
Efforts were made to enable Sidney Crosby to play in the semifinal, with reports indicating that the Canadian team and individuals around them "did everything humanly possible" to help him participate.
Custom Brace: There were attempts to find or create a custom brace for Crosby.
Player Safety: Head coach Jon Cooper stated that the team would "not put anyone in harm's way" but that Crosby would play if he were able.
Delayed Decision: Information regarding Crosby's availability was not definitively known until after Canada's quarterfinal game, with at least one player noting that "Not a single player, coach knew until after the game."
Supporting Players and Other Absences
Beyond Crosby, another key player will be absent from the Canadian lineup.
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Josh Morrissey: Defenceman Josh Morrissey will also miss the semifinal. He has been sidelined for the past four games after sustaining an injury in Canada's opening tournament game against the Czechs.
McDavid's Leadership: Connor McDavid will assume captaincy, a role he acknowledged would involve significant influence regardless of his own on-ice performance.
Game Details
The semifinal match between Canada and Finland is scheduled for a specific time:
Matchup: Canada vs. Finland
Time: 10:40 a.m. ET / 7:40 a.m. PT
Broadcast: CBC Gem, Sportsnet+
The winner of this game will proceed to the gold-medal game on Sunday. The loser will compete in the bronze-medal game on Saturday.
Sources:
CBC Sports: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/hockey/sidney-crosby-ruled-out-against-finland-9.7098964 (Published: 27 minutes ago)
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47986167/canada-rules-crosby-olympic-hockey-semifinal-vs-finland (Published: 36 minutes ago)
CTV News: https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/crosby-out-of-olympic-semifinal-mcdavid-to-captain-canada-against-finland/ (Published: 25 minutes ago)
Sportsnet: https://www.sportsnet.ca/olympic-men-hockey/article/canadian-captain-sidney-crosby-out-for-semifinal-against-finland/ (Published: 15 hours ago)
TSN: https://www.tsn.ca/olympics/article/crosby-out-canadas-semifinal-against-finland-mcdavid-to-wear-the-c/ (Published: 40 minutes ago)
Olympics.com: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/olympic-hockey-semi-final-will-canada-s-sidney-crosby-be-able-to-play-against-finland-today-injury-update (Published: 4 hours ago)
The Globe and Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/olympics/article/winter-olympics-2026-sidney-crosby-injury-update/ (Published: 1 day ago)
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/20/sidney-crosby-injury-update-canada-hockey-olympics/88746575007/ (Published: 38 minutes ago)
Note: NHL.com article published 1 day ago contained information that was superseded by later reports stating Crosby was indeed ruled out.
