Sidney Crosby exits olympic hockey game with scary injury

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18 February 2026 at 21:14

Team Canada — and much of the hockey world — was dealt a frightening moment on the Olympic stage as Sidney Crosby exited the game with an apparent injury, casting immediate uncertainty over Canada’s gold medal hopes. The incident occurred midway through the second period when Crosby absorbed contact along the boards while battling for a loose puck. He appeared to favor one side as he skated slowly toward the bench before heading directly down the tunnel with a team trainer.

Crosby did not return to the bench for the remainder of the period, and the team later announced he would not return to the game. No official diagnosis was immediately provided, but the early departure instantly shifted the tone inside the arena — and across social media — as fans awaited further updates on the captain’s condition.

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A Devastating Blow to Canada’s Olympic Aspirations

Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Sidney Crosby of Canada during the warm up before the match against Switzerland in men’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Crosby’s presence in international play has always carried enormous weight. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated players of his generation, Crosby is synonymous with Canadian hockey excellence. His leadership, vision, and clutch scoring have defined previous Olympic runs, most memorably during Canada’s golden era on the world stage.

Without him, Team Canada faces a dramatically different outlook. The roster remains stacked with elite talent, but Crosby’s ability to dictate tempo and stabilize high-pressure moments is irreplaceable. In tightly contested international tournaments — where a single bounce can determine a medal — that loss could loom large.

What This Means Moving Forward

If Crosby is forced to miss extended time, Canada’s forward lines will need to be reshuffled quickly. Veterans will be expected to shoulder more responsibility, and younger stars may be thrust into larger roles than originally anticipated.

Beyond tactics, however, the emotional impact may be just as significant. Crosby has long served as the heartbeat of Canadian international hockey. Seeing him depart the Olympic stage under uncertain circumstances is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in tournament play.

For now, the hockey world waits. Team Canada officials are expected to provide further medical updates in the coming hours. Until then, one question hangs over the tournament: will Sidney Crosby return, or has Canada’s Olympic path just become far more difficult?