Sidney Crosby was absent from Canada's optional practice Thursday, raising concerns about his availability for the men's hockey semifinals at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The veteran captain sustained a leg injury early in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime victory against Czechia. The exact severity of the injury remains unclear.
Crosby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, left the ice after the incident and did not return to the game. Several other key Canadian players, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, also skipped the practice session.
Canada is scheduled to face Finland in the semifinals on Friday. The gold medal game is set for Sunday.