Canada escaped the quarterfinals with a 4-3 overtime win over Czechia, where they overcame a 3-2 deficit late in the game. After the win, all attention was on captain Sidney Crosby, who exited the game earlier after landing awkwardly on his leg on a hit from Czechia defenseman Radko Gudas. After testing, head coach Jon Cooper would not officially rule out Crosby, instead deeming him as "day-to-day."
Crosby's status for Canada's semifinal matchup against Finland was in flux. Not only that, but because of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rules, Canada would need to name a captain for the game if Crosby couldn't play. So, two decisions for Cooper to make ahead of trying to clinch their spot in the gold medal game. In terms of naming a captain, it was ultimately a no-brainer move.
On Friday, an hour before puck drop, Canada officially announced that Crosby was ruled out due to his lower body injury. Additionally, the team named Edmonton Oiler star Connor McDavid was named captain, with Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar serving as alternate captains.
Sidney Crosby will not play in the semifinals. Connor McDavid will wear the ‘C’ today, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates.
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 20, 2026
Sidney Crosby ne jouera pas en demi-finale. Connor McDavid portera le « C » aujourd’hui, Cale Makar et Nathan MacKinnon, le « A ». pic.twitter.com/Vk9J07BQzg
Connor McDavid named Canada captain for Olympic semis with Sidney Crosby ruled out
Ultimately, the decision to name McDavid the captain was really a no-brainer. He has become the new face of the team considering his accomplishments in the NHL. Let's not forget, McDavid won Canada the 4 Nations Face-Off championship with an overtime win over the United States. Plus, there is the unreal run he has been on in these Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
In four games in these Winter Olympics, McDavid has two goals and nine assists. His 11 points are the most by any player in these Olympic games.
McDavid has received praise from his teammates for not only his ability to lead Canada to easy victories in the group stage, but for his leadership.
“He’s a great leader for us,” goaltender Jordan Binnington said, h/t Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. “He wants the puck. He wants to make a difference. He’s excited to play. He brings great energy, and he’s had a lot of big goals, contributed to a lot of big goals for us.”
McDavid was essentially the captain in waiting for Canada, but now with Crosby ruled out, he gets his first official chance in the role. Canada will take on a game Finland team, featuring a stacked roster of NHL talent like Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, and Roope Hintz. They stand in the way of Canada winning their first Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey since 2014, which was the last time NHL players were allowed to compete in the Winter Games.