James Lang-Imagn Images

Connor McDavid Drops Sidney Crosby Detail After Winter Olympics Semifinal Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rexwell Villas | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 7:11 PM ET

Sidney Crosby was not there on the ice with Canada during Friday's semifinal win against Finland, but he still had his fingerprings on his team's thrilling 3-2 victory at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.

Following Canada's victory, forward Connor McDavid shared that Crosby, who also plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, was present in the locker room during intermissions, helping his team figure out what to do against the pesky Finnish side, per Arpon Basu of The Athletic.

Canada would have preferred having Crosby active for the game, but a lower-body injury prevented him from participating in the all-important matchup against Finland. Fortunately, the team got the job done, as the Canadians overcame a 2-0 deficit, thanks in large part to McDavid.

Team Canada forward Sydney Crosby (87) during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game.Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Whatever Crosby told the team, it seems McDavid heard it. The three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner had two assists against Finland -- the first one was on Canada's first goal, and the second was in the game-winning power-play score by Nathan MacKinnon with under a minute left in regulation.

It remains unclear whether Crosby will be able to suit up and play in the gold-medal match against the U.S. on Sunday.

In any case, Canada has a deep stack of elite talent that includes none other than McDavid, who served as his team’s captain in lieu of McDavid in the Finland game.

So far in the tournament, the Edmonton Oilers superstar has 13 points on the strength of two goals and 11 assists.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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