Canada captain Sidney Crosby left the bench during the second period.
Sidney Crosby left the second period of Wednesday's quarterfinal between Canada and Czechia after taking a hit from Radko Gudas.
The Team Canada captain, who is playing in his third Olympics, was ruled out with a lower-body injury. But in true leadership form, Crosby still managed to make an impact as his team rallied from behind and won 4-3 in overtime.
"He couldn’t come out there for the third, but he addressed the players," said Team Canada coach Jon Cooper. "If we lose this game then you don’t want this to be Sid’s last game at this Olympics. It was a big motivator for the guys coming out."
When asked what Crosby said, Cooper summed it up as " 'Go get it boys.' "
"It was a lot more than that," he added. "But he’s a true leader."
While it is unclear what Crosby's injury was, it appeared to occur in a second period where he was on the receiving end of some questionable hits
The first came when Crosby didn't even have the puck and was upended by a Czech player, causing Crosby to slide backwards on the ice and into the boards. A few minutes later, Czech defenseman Radko Gudas delivered a bodycheck on Crosby, who was then sandwiched by Gudas and Martin Necas.
Crosby appeared to be favoring his right leg as he skated to the bench. He then went to the dressing room shortly after.
When asked if he planned on targeting Crosby in the quarterfinal, Gudas said, "I'll hit anybody that's in my way."
As the captain of the Anaheim Ducks, Gudas has earned a reputation as someone whose biggest asset is his physicality. In 43 games this season, he has a goal and 10 points, but ranks 21st in the NHL with 147 hits.
During Wednesday's quarterfinal, Gudas was reportedly caught on the hot mic chirping Canada's Tom Wilson for his fight against France's Pierre Crinon, saying "You going to jump another guy that doesn't know how to fight?"
Crosby, meanwhile, has been an important player for Canada, scoring two goals and six points in four games.
At the time of his injury, Czechia had been leading 2-1. But Canada tied the game with 7:44 remaining in the period on a goal from Nathan MacKinnon.
"Hopefully he’ll be ready for the next one," siad Canada defenseman Drew Doughty. "But if he’s not, guys just have to step up. That’s just the bottom line. But sucks to see your captain go down and a player of that stature."
Added winger Mark Stone: "You hate seeing it. Heart and soul guy. Leads by example. Glad we were able to get the win for him."
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki replaced Crosby on the line with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone. Suzuki has been playing on the right wing for much of this tournament alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Brandon Hagel.
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