"No. 8 seed Czechia gave them everything they could handle in the quarterfinals, as Canada needed a late game-tying goal from Nick Suzuki and a decisive game-winning goal in overtime from Mitch Marner to move on to the semifinals via a 4-3 win. The game featured many critical pivot points, perhaps none more important for the game -- and the future -- than Sidney Crosby sustaining a lower-body injury in the second period that kept him out for the duration."
"The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar was on the other end of a hit from Radko Gudas, but appeared to have at least amplified his ailment after being entangled with two Czech players against the boards. It led to Crosby gingerly skating back to the bench. He went back to the dressing room where he remained for the duration. Winning an overtime game without one of its most important players reinforces how Canada has the depth to withstand such an injury in a tight game."
Canada entered the 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament as the favorites and secured the No. 1 seed before the knockout round. No. 8 seed Czechia pushed Canada in a 4-3 quarterfinal that required a late Nick Suzuki game-tying goal and an overtime winner from Mitch Marner. Sidney Crosby suffered a lower-body injury early in the second period and did not return. Crosby's injury tested Canada's depth, and the team showed resilience by winning without him. Canada's roster includes multiple replacement centers prepared to fill Crosby's role if necessary. The win advances Canada to the semifinals.
Read at ESPN.com
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