Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid to Captain Canada Again as Sidney Crosby Ruled Out of Gold Medal Game

Sidney Crosby will not play for Team Canada in Sunday's Olympic gold medal game against Team USA after the team ruled out its captain Saturday night. Connor McDavid will wear the "C" for the second consecutive game as Canada chases gold at Milano Cortina 2026.

Crosby missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury he sustained during the second period of Wednesday's quarterfinal against Czechia. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain did not play in Canada's 3-2 semifinal victory over Finland on Friday and will remain sidelined for the championship showdown.

Head Coach Jon Cooper remained positive till final minute to include Sidney Crosby

Hope emerged Saturday when Crosby participated in Canada's optional practice session at Santagiulia Arena. Head coach Jon Cooper indicated a final determination on his captain's availability would be made Saturday evening following meetings with medical staff and the player.

Cooper emphasized that Crosby would not jeopardize himself or the team by playing through injury. The veteran coach made clear that Canada needed players capable of contributing at full strength rather than dressing someone as inspiration.

"He won't put himself in harm's way," Cooper said following Saturday's practice. "He's not going to put the team in harm's way." Canada will use the same lineup deployed against Finland, with Crosby and defenseman Josh Morrissey as the two skater scratches.

Morrissey has battled an undisclosed injury throughout the tournament, while third goaltender Darcy Kuemper completes the scratch list. McDavid served as Canada's captain during Friday's semifinal victory and will retain the responsibility Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will serve as alternate captains, as International Ice Hockey Federation rules require teams to designate a captain for every game. The Edmonton Oilers center has thrived in Crosby's absence while leading Canada through crucial moments.

McDavid set the Olympic record for most points in a single tournament featuring NHL players with 13 points, including two goals and 11 assists through five games. Crosby finishes the tournament with six points, including two goals and four assists in four games.

The 38-year-old captain pursued his third Olympic gold medal after capturing championship glory at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where he scored the golden goal against Team USA, and again at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

With NHL players not being part of the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Olympics, Milan is Crosby’s chance to win a third gold. McDavid, meanwhile, leads Canada's roster against the Americans' quest for their first Olympic gold since the Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid in 1980.


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