Canada captain Sidney Crosby ruled out of Olympic semi-final vs Finland

Canada captain Sidney Crosby has been ruled out of Friday’s Olympic men’s ice hockey semi-final against Finland after suffering a lower-body injury.

The 38-year-old forward sustained the issue during the second period of Wednesday’s dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against Czechia in the quarter-finals.

While MRI scans reportedly indicated the damage was not the “worst-case scenario”, the veteran centre was seen wearing a protective boot at the team hotel on Friday.

McDavid steps up as captain

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid will assume the captaincy for the crucial clash in Milan, fulfilling international regulations that require a designated leader in the line-up.

“He’s Sidney Crosby. He’s going to have a big influence, no matter what,” McDavid said regarding the absence of his distinguished team-mate.

“In the lineup, not in the lineup, he’s going to have a big influence. That’s what he does.”

Crosby did not participate in Thursday’s optional skate and the team held a closed session on Friday morning, preventing media from assessing his on-ice status.

Gold medal hope remains

Despite missing the semi-final, there is hope within the Canadian camp that the Pittsburgh Penguins icon could return for the gold medal game should the team advance.

Head coach Jon Cooper emphasized that the medical staff are taking a cautious “day by day” approach to the injury.

“We’ve got the best of the best looking at him,” Cooper stated.

“We’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way. But if he can play, he’s definitely going to.”