Canada captain Sidney Crosby not ruled out for Olympic return

Veteran captain Sidney Crosby has not been ruled out for the remainder of the Milan Cortina Olympics, Team Canada coach Jon Cooper told reporters on Thursday.

Crosby, 38, sustained an apparent right leg injury in the second period of Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Czechia when he ducked under a hit but had Radko Gudas fall over him.

One of a handful of NHL players who competed in the Olympics the last time they were permitted to compete in the Games in 2014, Crosby is doing everything he can to be available for Canada's semifinal against Finland on Friday.

He underwent an MRI to assess the injury and did not participate in Thursday's optional team skate, per ESPN.

"Sid is by no means ruled out of the tournament,'' Cooper said Thursday. "We've got the best of the best looking at him. ... We're taking this day by day. And we're not going to put anyone in harm's way. But if he can play, he's definitely going to. We'll know more again in 24 hours.''

Crosby, who is competing in his third Olympics, is tied for third on the Canadian roster with six points (two goals, four assists) through four games.

Crosby is in his 21st NHL season, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 56 games this season, he has 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists).

Canada is looking to win gold for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

--Field Level Media