Sidney Crosby Out of Olympic Gold Game with Injury; Penguins Return Uncertain

Sidney Crosby, 38, was officially ruled out of Sunday's Olympic gold medal game against the United States due to a lower body injury sustained in Wednesday's quarterfinal vs. Czechia. Despite skating Saturday, he missed the semifinal and final, marking a "gutting" and likely final Olympic appearance. His availability for the Pittsburgh Penguins' upcoming Thursday game against New Jersey remains uncertain, posing a troubling sign for the team. Crosby expressed Canada "deserved better" after their loss. Speculation suggests a potential IR stint, possibly leading to Avery Hayes' recall, while Kris Letang is expected to return Thursday.