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Team Canada men's ice hockey captain Sidney Crosby is "by no means ruled out" despite suffering an injury that forced him out for the remainder of his team's eventual overtime win against Czechia in the second period of a 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics quarterfinal on Wednesday (February 18).
"We have the best of the best looking at him," Cooper said via ESPN's Emily Kaplan, adding that the team was "taking this day by day" while addressing Crosby's status.
Crosby, 38, is reportedly set to undergo an MRI to assess the damage on his lower-body as he's suspected to have suffered a right leg injury, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Kaplan. The two-time Olympic gold medalist didn't participate in Team Canada's optional skate Thursday (February 19), one day prior to the semifinal matchup against Finland on Friday (February 20).
"We're not going to put anyone in harm's way," Cooper said via ESPN. "But if he can play, he's definitely going to. We'll know more in again in 24 hours.
Crosby potentially missing the game would require another Canadian player to wear the "C" as captain for the game and Cooper declined naming as possible replacement.
"It's almost impossible to fill the player void, but we'll do our best," said defenseman Drew Doughty via ESPN. "Guys got to step up."
Team Canada has outscored its opponents 24-6 during its perfect 4-0 run through Olympic play.
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