Sidney Crosby, alongside Connor McDavid, is one of Canada's most crucial players and arguably the biggest star of the Olympics. During a heated quarterfinal match against the Czech Republic, Crosby left the game injured, causing a wave of concern among Canadian fans. His departure came after sustaining several hits, and despite being visibly upset on the bench, he couldn't continue after just over seven minutes into the second period. This injury raised alarms not only due to Crosby's star status but also because of his leadership role within the group.

Despite Crosby's exit, Team Canada managed to momentarily equalize the score to 2-2, demonstrating the resilience of the squad and highlighting the depth of talent available, as noted by his teammate Connor McDavid, who emphasized that "next man needs to step up." However, former player Henrik Lundqvist expressed his serious doubts about Crosby's return for the remainder of the match, stressing that Crosby is the captain and a key leader for Team Canada, making him irreplaceable in such high-stakes games.

As the match progresses into the third period tied at 2-2, both teams are presented with numerous scoring chances. The game remains intense, showcasing the competitive spirit typical of Olympic hockey, as players strive to capitalize on every opportunity to secure a spot in the semifinals, underscoring the high stakes involved in the competition for both sides.