A blow to Team Canada before puck drop in the Olympic final against Team USA was the absence of long-time player and captain Sidney Crosby. The fact that the old leader was not there was also a plotline of the title match of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
With NHL news keeping on highlighting globally recognized stars, the fact that Crosby did not suit up has cast doubts on his health and the depth of the Canadian line-up. After the devastating loss, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins team explained why he preferred recovering to playing in the greatest global game in the sport.
Sidney Crosby injury decision for Team Canada and falls to Team USA in Olympic final
Crosby affirmed that he was not physically fit to play at full throttle. The 38-year-old forward felt that he might end up doing the team more harm than good by treating them as the medical personnel of Team Canada did. He pointed out that though it is tempting to play in a gold medal game, the decision must be made clearly.
In Crosby’s absence, Team Canada was left to rely on players like
Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini to create offense. Nevertheless, Team USA made the most out of their opportunities, and Jack Hughes scored the match-winner and gave the historic win.
The defeat was among the key ones for Team USA and Canada to contemplate over the missed chances.
Crosby also stayed with his teammates when receiving the silver medal by showing disappointment but also pride in the work of his team.
In NHL injury updates, the focus now shifts to the status of Crosby with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the regular season taking off. He must be closely followed up on his progress, and this is especially critical with the playoff drive of Pittsburgh coming up today, with vital implications for it.
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