In a significant moment during the quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Czechia at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Canadian hockey captain Sidney Crosby left the ice with an apparent right leg injury just six minutes into the second period. The injury occurred as Crosby was preparing for a hit from Czech defenseman Radko Gudas while Canada was trailing 2-1. The situation worsened when he was simultaneously hit by Gudas and teammate Martin Necas, forcing him to leave the ice in noticeable discomfort. His exit was met with gasps from the crowd, but he was able to leave under his own power, indicating the injury may not be overly severe.

Crosby, a veteran player competing in his third Olympics, has been a standout performer for Canada at these Games, previously leading the team to gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Until his injury, he had been contributing significantly to Canada's success, showcasing his elite skill level by scoring two goals and providing four assists, including setting a Canadian record with his 16th Olympic point in their dominant 10-2 victory against France. His experience and leadership are invaluable to the team, making his potential absence a considerable concern as Canada aims to secure another Olympic medal.

With Crosby’s health uncertain, the Canadian men’s hockey team faces a crucial challenge in navigating the remainder of the tournament. The absence of their captain could impact the team's performance and morale, especially in high-stakes games like the semifinal. As they await updates on Crosby's condition, the team's medical staff and coaching staff will need to prepare for various contingencies, including potential adjustments to their strategy in the event of his absence from future matches.