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On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins assigned Sidney Crosby to injured reserve because the Canadian skipper was unable to participate in Sunday’s Olympic gold-medal match due to a lower-body ailment.
The National Hockey League club stated that the seasoned forward is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks.
Crosby was absent from Canada’s 2-1 overtime defeat against the United States in Milan, explaining his inability to compete “without jeopardizing the squad.”
The enduring captain of the Penguins expressed no remorse regarding his choice to compete in Italy.
“The Olympics offer an incredible journey simply as an athlete, not solely as a hockey player,” he remarked, subsequently commenting, “injuries are, of course, an inherent aspect of sports.”
During the quarterfinals, the 38-year-old sustained an injury when his leg twisted uncomfortably after a collision with Czechia’s defenceman, Radko Gudas.
Crosby indicated no grievance with the impact.
“He aimed to be assertive and compete vigorously, as any defenceman would, and it simply turned out unfavorably from my perspective,” he stated.
Crosby observed the championship game from the medical staff’s room, later joining his teammates for the presentation of medals.
Commendation for Healthcare Personnel
Crosby attributed credit to the Italian medical team for providing him with a chance to participate in the gold medal contest. He felt he approached participation for Team Canada in the ultimate match “much more closely” than anticipated.
When queried about contemplating playing with restricted capabilities, perhaps limited strictly to power play situations, Crosby gestured negatively.
“If one is unable to perform effectively and be depended upon… then pushing the matter isn’t possible, and that ultimately determined the situation,” he expressed.
This injured reserve designation implies Crosby will be absent for a minimum of seven days commencing from the date the injury occurred.
This ailment occurs while the unexpected Penguins hold the second position in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh aims to re-enter the postseason competition, having last done so in 2022.
This season, Crosby has maintained his customary high level of output. He paces the Penguins in scores (27), helpers (32), and total points (59), and is on track to prolong his NHL record of maintaining at least a point per game average for an ongoing 21 years.
“Naturally, I wish to return to action at the earliest opportunity,” he stated. “I merely need to ascertain the path to recovery, understand the process, and ensure I am performing optimally upon my return.”
Pittsburgh will commence their schedule after the Olympic hiatus at home facing New Jersey on Thursday. The encounter with the Devils marks the initial game in a sequence of 13 matches over a 24-day period for the Penguins.
“Throughout the year, we’ve encountered injuries, and players have risen to the occasion,” he remarked. “Our current standing is attributable to our collective team effort.”
Furthermore, the Penguins reinstated defenceman Kris Letang from his injured reserve status.
