Team Canada's plans with Sidney Crosby injury confirmed by NHL insider
According to a new report from NHL insider Darren Dreger, Sidney Crosby is expected to travel to Montreal in preparation to play the 4 Nations Faceoff, but it's not guaranteed he will be named on the final roster.
Crosby suffered an injury with the Penguins earlier this week, and although he returned to play the game, he missed following games and practices.
Sidney Crosby's condition in doubt for 4 Nations Faceoff
For now, Crosby is expected to skate with Team Canada in preliminary practices, and if he shows it's a possibility he can play later in the tournament, he will be named to the roster.
That does imply that Canada has a short timeline, until Monday at 5pm, to decide if Crosby can play through an injury in the final games of the tournament.
That may not be a positive sign for Crosby, as the 4 Nations Faceoff will be incredibly short. Teams will only play 3 games in a round robin, and one final game.
Crosby's arm was wedged between two opposing players heading in opposite directions. Afterwards, Crosby visibly winced in pain while leaving the ice.
At the same time, if there's any player worth taking a gamble on and allowing him to play through injury, it's Sidney Crosby. He's been the face of the NHL for years, and is Canada's biggest international veteran star.
Fans and players alike are excited to see Sidney Crosby pair up with Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon for the first time. The Olympics will be just next year, so there will be another opportunity soon, but it'd be a major disappointment for the tournament not to have Crosby.
If Sidney Crosby isn't named to the final roster by tomorrow night, Team Canada may have to select a new Captain. Connor McDavid would be among those considered, but out of respect for the legend Sidney Crosby, it would seem possible they opt for no Captain.
All of hockey should be hoping for Crosby to be able to play in the upcoming tournament. It's just a warm-up for the Olympics next year, a more high-stakes international stage, but it's fantastic to see NHL players back involved.
It's been too long since there's been any international hockey with NHLers, and it'd be a disappointment for it to be lacking Crosby upon return.
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