Canada will likely be without captain Sidney Crosby for Friday’s Olympic semifinal against Finland, forcing a reshuffle of the country’s most productive line. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury in the second period of Canada’s 4-3 overtime quarterfinal win over Czechia on Wednesday after a hit from defenseman Radko Gudas.
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki replaced Crosby on the line with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone for the remainder of the game and scored the tying goal late in the third period. Marner then scored the overtime winner on a one-on-three backhand to send Canada to the semifinals.
“When I got put there, it felt pretty easy for a centerman to have two wingers like that,” Suzuki said. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully we can have Sid back, but I think I can find a way to play with anybody.”
Canada coach Jon Cooper said Thursday that Crosby is not ruled out for the tournament. “We’re taking this day by day. We’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way, but if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more again in 24 hours.”
The Marner-Crosby-Stone line had been Canada’s most consistent at 5-on-5 throughout the tournament, dominating possession with high hockey IQ and two-way responsibility. Marner has five points and is a plus-5; Stone has four points and is a plus-3. Crosby contributed four goals and six points.
“That’s a big hole to fill, and (Suzuki) did a great job of it. Not just because he scored that goal,” Marner said. “Very smart two-way player. He makes great plays. He’s got great speed coming up the ice. You see why he gets so much love in Montreal. We’ll see what happens, but if that’s what happens going forward, just keep talking, try to build our chemistry and do the right thing.”
Suzuki had been playing on the wing in the tournament due to Canada’s deep center pool. Moving him back to the middle against Finland could be the ideal fit if Crosby cannot go.
The Canada-Finland winner faces the winner of Friday’s U.S.-Slovakia semifinal in Sunday’s gold medal game.
Up next
Who: Finland vs. Canada
When: 7:30 a.m. Friday
Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan
TV: USA, Peacock
Line: Canada -481; total 5 ½
Who: Slovakia vs. Team USA
When: Noon Friday
Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan
TV: NBC, Peacock
Line: USA -901; total 6
