Sidney Crosby opens up about crushing Olympic injury and its impact on his future

Earlier on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed that Sidney Crosby has been placed on Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury — the same issue that ruled him out of Canada’s semifinal and gold medal games at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The veteran forward is expected to miss at least four weeks.

Crosby sustained the injury during Canada’s quarterfinal clash with Czechia and was unavailable for the semifinal against Finland and the gold medal game versus the United States. His absence was noticeable as Canada fell short on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s skate, Crosby admitted he was closer to featuring in the gold medal game than he first believed.

“I was a lot closer than I thought to playing in the Gold Medal Game. I didn’t think it was necessarily going to be an option. The chance that I had a chance and was close to it — the staff was unbelievable,” he said.

Crosby also dismissed any lingering frustration over the hit that led to the injury.

“I don’t have a problem with the play by Gudas. He was trying to be physical and play hard, and it went the wrong way. That’s hockey. That stuff happens.”

No further specifics about the injury were disclosed.

The Penguins currently sit at 29-15-12 with 70 points, good for second place in the Metropolitan Division, and are on track for their first playoff appearance in four years. However, the upcoming stretch will test their depth, with matchups against the Colorado Avalanche (twice), Vegas Golden Knights (twice), and Carolina Hurricanes (three times) — all division leaders — looming during Crosby’s absence.

“I’m confident we can play well in my absence. We’re at this point because of our team play. It’s not because of any one person. Different guys have stepped up. It’s going to be an important stretch here, but I’m confident,” Crosby said.

Pittsburgh returns to action Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.