Coach’s message galvanized Team Canada
Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper revealed that Sidney Crosby’s injury became a central motivational theme during the team’s comeback victory over Czechia in the Olympic quarterfinals.
After Crosby left the game following a collision with Radko Gudas, Cooper delivered a clear message to the locker room emphasizing belief in their captain’s Olympic journey.
Jon Cooper: “This will not be Sid’s last game at the Olympics.”
Momentum shift follows injury
At the time of Crosby’s exit, Canada trailed 2-1. The team capitalized on the emotional moment, earning a power play that saw Macklin Celebrini replace Crosby and assist on Nathan MacKinnon’s tying goal.
Czechia regained the lead later, but a late Nick Suzuki goal forced overtime before Mitch Marner secured the win early in the extra frame.
High praise from Lightning and Team Canada coach Jon Cooper on Mitch Marner’s OT winner:
“What can a goal do to a player like that?
🚨🎙️ “I don’t know. If you’re saying that, like, is that a confidence-building goal? That kid oozes confidence. So I thought it was a big-time… pic.twitter.com/Ft9UQDZPLU
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) February 13, 2025
Semifinal outlook and Crosby uncertainty
Cooper did not provide a medical update after the game, leaving Crosby’s availability for the semifinal unresolved. Canada’s opponent will depend on results from the remaining quarterfinal matchups.
Even if Crosby misses the semifinal, Canada is guaranteed at least one additional game in the bronze or gold medal contest.
Jon Cooper had ONE message for Team Canada after Sidney Crosby went down, and the boys pulled through for their captain 💪🇨🇦
(h/t @CBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/Q62DcftIRR
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 19, 2026
Potential final Olympic chapter
Crosby’s Olympic history includes appearances in 2010 and 2014, making this tournament a rare international return during his career. With the next Winter Games arriving when he would be in his 40s, the current event is widely viewed as his final Olympic opportunity.
That context has amplified the significance of both the injury and the team’s response.
