Hockey Canada announced that captain Sidney Crosby is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury but remains available for Olympic play, according to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.
Head coach Jon Cooper said Thursday that Crosby is “by no means ruled out” for the remainder of the tournament.
Crosby sustained the injury during Canada’s quarterfinal matchup against Czechia after taking two hits. He left the game in the second period and didn’t return.
“We’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way. But if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more in … 24 hours.”
Canada advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia despite playing without their captain.
The team faces Finland on Friday in the semifinal round. The bronze medal game is scheduled for Saturday, with the gold medal game on Sunday.
Cooper declined to discuss potential captaincy arrangements if Crosby can’t play Friday, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. Canada would need to assign the “C” to another player for the game.
Six points in four games for Crosby at these Olympics.
This marks Crosby’s third Winter Games appearance and his first since 2014. He became Canada’s leading scorer in the NHL era at the Olympics during Sunday’s 10-2 victory over France.
The Pittsburgh Penguins center has anchored Canada’s top line throughout the tournament.
“Listen, nobody’s replacing Sidney Crosby. He’s one of one. What we have to do as a group, though, that’s why we have depth. That’s why you have 25 players here. That’s why you have to pick the players when you’re putting this team together, that in case somebody like Sid goes down, who can step in. We feel like we have that.”
Cooper’s comments came after Canada’s training session Thursday as the team prepares for their semifinal matchup.
