Crosby injury overshadows Canada’s dramatic victory
Canada’s Olympic quarterfinal win over Czechia was clouded by concern after captain Sidney Crosby exited the game following a heavy collision with defenseman Radko Gudas.
The hit caused Crosby’s right leg to buckle near the boards during the second period, and the veteran forward was unable to return after struggling to put weight on the injured leg.
Despite the setback, Canada rallied late, forcing overtime before securing a 3-2 victory on Mitch Marner’s game-winner.
Apology fails to calm fan reaction
Gudas later stated he was simply finishing a check and expressed hope that Crosby was unharmed. However, the explanation did little to ease criticism from fans and observers.
Social media reaction largely questioned both the intent and timing of the apology, with some pointing to Gudas’ reputation for physical play as a factor in the backlash.
Canada and Penguins fans explaining to the NHL and the IOC why Radko Gudas is dangerous and should be banned from all hockey competitions forever! pic.twitter.com/8qPexplGiX
— Sidney Crosby 🐐 HQ (@crosbyhistory87) February 18, 2026
On-ice adjustments spark comeback
Crosby’s absence forced immediate lineup changes, with Macklin Celebrini stepping onto the top power-play unit and contributing to the sequence that led to Nathan MacKinnon’s equalizing goal.
The emotional response to Crosby’s injury also appeared to energize Canada’s late-game push.
Sidney Crosby has gone to the locker room after taking a couple hits from Radko Gudas and Martin Necas 🤕 pic.twitter.com/VZHL7DfPoj
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 18, 2026
Uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s Olympic future
With the semifinal approaching and Crosby’s status unresolved, attention now shifts to his recovery timeline. The injury carries added significance given the likelihood that this tournament represents the final Olympic appearance of the 38-year-old captain.
Regardless of availability, the hit and its aftermath have already become one of the defining storylines of the tournament.
