After 46 years, the Americans sit atop the hockey world once again. Whenever there is a huge historic win, heartbreak looms over the other side of the ice. This is exactly what Team Canada is feeling. A big contributor to their loss in the clutch? It was likely the lack of veteran Sidney Crosby in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics gold medal match. The Pittsburgh Penguins legend got real on his decision to not play.
Canada captain not fully healed
Usually, hockey legends take a shorter than average time to get back on the ice. However, Crosby has aging catching up to him as well as other woes which prevented him to face Team USA. The Canadian captain and Penguins legend unveiled the reason as to why he was not feeling great in playing, via Bill Price of NHL.com.
“I just didn’t feel like I was able to play. I didn’t think I’d be in that position after the Czech game. I think our medical staff was incredible and, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go. You saw that game, it was incredible hockey. It was a tough decision. In your head, you always want to be out there and find every way possible, but not at the expense of what needs to be done,” he said.
It was all a matter of trying to preserve his own health. After all, Coach Jon Cooper had a wealth of talent on the offense anyway with guys like Macklin Celebrini, Connor McDavid, and Nick Suzuki. However, it was just not their night. Canada struggled to gain full control against the Americans. It all culminated with a Jack Hughes goal to end a 46-year drought.
Crosby was obviously heartbroken about the outcome but still skated alongside his team to receive the Olympics silver medal.
“It might have crossed my mind. But ultimately, it was about what’s best for our group and what gives us the best chance to win. And it becomes pretty clear at that point if I’m not able to go, then I’m not going to compromise our team or put myself out of that. It might have crossed my mind, but ultimately, that’s not how you make your decision,” the Penguins star added. “It’s just disappointment. I think or numerous reasons, it’s not fun when you lose, regardless of how it happens or the outcome. I just feel for the entire group and the entire situation.”
This may have been the final time that Crosby will don the Canada maple leaf on his chest. Hopefully, he is able to recover soon so that the Penguins’ Stanley Cup hopes remain alive.
