Sidney Crosby injury update leaves Team Canada in suspense before Finland

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Daniel Lucente
February 20, 2026 (9:00)

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Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Sidney Crosby skated in a closed session, but Team Canada still lists him doubtful for the Finland semifinal, and nerves are spiking.

Canada’s staff let Crosby test the lower body Friday morning, exactly as planned.

The key detail is the “doubtful” part, because this is a one-game swing to the gold medal chance.

Emily Kaplan reported it does not sound like a worst-case scenario, and Crosby is pushing to play.

The lineup call is expected one hour before puck drop against Finland, so this stays a true game-time decision.

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Crosby’s importance is not just leadership stuff, it’s production in this tournament.

He already climbed to 16 Olympic points in NHL-player tournaments for Canada, passing Jarome Iginla’s mark.

Honestly, Canadian fans can handle a tight game, but not the idea of doing it without their captain.

If Crosby sits, the man advantage changes immediately because his bumper touches and half-wall timing drive the whole look.

At five-on-five, Canada also loses its cleanest exit option down low when pressure arrives, and Finland lives for those turnovers.

The good news is that skating at all suggests the leg can bear load, which is usually the first box to tick.

The bad news is that one awkward stride can turn “not worst case” into a longer wait, and nobody wants that in February.

So Friday becomes a simple question: can Crosby accelerate, stop, and battle without guarding the injury.

If he can, Canada’s bench breathes again, and the gold medal path feels real.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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FEVRIER 20\|233 ANSWERS Sidney Crosby injury update leaves Team Canada in suspense before Finland Will Sidney Crosby play for Team Canada vs Finland?
Yes	32	13.7 %
No	201	86.3 %
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