What we know about Sydney Crosby's injury for Team Canada

Team Canada legend and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby left Canada's Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Quarterfinal matchup against Czechia early due to injury. 

Crosby did not come out for the third period following a pair of hits. Crosby was in pain on the bench for some time and then went down the tunnel for the locker room. To be more specific, as Crosby dumped the puck into the offensive zone near the center line, Czechia defenseman Radko Gudas stepped up on the veteran center. Trying to avoid the hit, he ducked down low, but thus fell awkwardly with Gudas landing on on top of him. His right leg also appeared to bend awkwardly.

The Pittsburgh star appeared to keep weight off of his right leg as he skated to the bench and departed to the locker room for further evaluation.

If Crosby misses any more time, players such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini are expected to step up.

Sidney Crosby status update expected on Thursday

The Canadians would go on to advance to the semifinals following a 4-3 win with Mitch Marner scoring 1:22 into overtime.

Through the first three games, Crosby posted six goals (two goals, four assists) for Team Canada. 

Per NHL insider Pierre LeBruin, an update on Crosby's status is expected on Thursday following an evaluation to his right leg. Bleacher Report is reporting he will be undergoing an MRI.

Team Canada is expected to have an update on Sidney Crosby on Thursday.

Canada coach Jon Cooper said something definitely was not right with the 38-year-old.

“You just rarely see it,” Cooper said of the two-time Olympic gold medalist, according to The Athletic. “For him, something definitely went wrong, but he just thought he wasn’t in a position to help the team the rest of the night.”

No. 1 Canada will now see action against No. 4 Finland in the semifinals. The gold medal game is slated for Feb. 22.