Sidney Crosby's potential return to Team Canada for the gold medal game was a tantalizing prospect, but the reality is he wouldn't have been anywhere near full strength. The Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed on Wednesday that their iconic center will be sidelined for at least the next four weeks due to a lower-body injury. In a corresponding move, defenseman Kris Letang has been activated from injured reserve.
Crosby’s injury stems from an awkward hit by Radko Gudas during Canada’s quarterfinal clash against Team Czechia. He exited the game immediately and, despite efforts from both him and the medical staff, was unable to return for the remainder of the tournament.
At 38, Crosby was in the midst of yet another stellar season, racking up 59 points with 27 goals and 32 assists over 56 games. His Olympic performance was equally impressive, tallying six points in just under four games before the injury cut his contributions short.
Crosby’s absence is a significant setback for the Penguins, who are currently holding the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, eyeing their first playoff appearance since the 2021-22 season. With the toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, the next month could be a challenging stretch without their captain.
Having played 300 of the Penguins’ last 302 games over the past four years, Crosby's durability has been a cornerstone for the team. However, the Penguins have navigated these waters before, often leaning on Evgeni Malkin during Crosby’s past absences. The 39-year-old Malkin will be crucial in the coming weeks, and his ability to elevate his game could be the key to keeping Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive.