The hockey world finally heard from Sidney Crosby following his injury at the Olympics with Team Canada, which sidelined him for the last two games of the tournament. The Pittsburgh Penguins' captain addressed the media on Wednesday, shortly after the team announced he would be out for at least four weeks due to a lower-body injury.
Crosby opened up about his recent experiences and what lies ahead.
How Close Was Crosby to Playing in the Gold Medal Game?
Crosby shared that he was "close" to playing in the gold medal game. "A lot closer than I thought a day or two after the injury," he explained.
Initially, he didn't think playing was an option, but praised the staff for their support. Despite his efforts, he missed the 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA.
"Unfortunately, it just wasn't something I could do," Crosby admitted.
Penguins' Season and Crosby's Decision
While Penguins fans might have been concerned about Crosby aggravating his injury, his focus was solely on the Olympics. "I'll be honest with you, all I cared about was playing that game," he said, emphasizing that his commitment to the Penguins remains strong. The allure of the Olympics was simply too significant to ignore.
Crosby's Recovery Timeline
The Penguins announced Crosby's expected absence of at least four weeks. Reflecting on his recovery, Crosby said, "As far as a timeline, I think you're just trying to wrap your head around each day and give yourself a chance to play."
He noted that recovery varies for everyone and admitted, "I didn't know what to expect. I haven't really had this kind of injury before."
If Crosby misses the full four weeks, the Penguins could be without him for up to 15 games, presenting a significant challenge for the team as they navigate his absence.