Introduction
Sidney Crosby — often nicknamed “Sid the Kid” — is one of hockey’s most iconic figures. Fans around the world were left wondering “Why didn’t Crosby play today?” or “Why is he not playing today?” after he was absent from a key matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics. In this article, we break down the latest news, confirm injury details, explain his status, and also clarify personal life details — including his relationship status and whether he has a wife.
Who Is Sidney Crosby?
Sidney Crosby is a Canadian professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins since being drafted first overall in 2005 and has multiple Stanley Cups, Hart Trophies, Conn Smythe awards, and significant Olympic achievements to his name.
Crosby’s impact extends internationally as well — most memorably scoring Canada’s gold medal-winning overtime goal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and captaining Team Canada to another gold in 2014. His leadership and performance have made him a central figure in global hockey.
The Immediate Reason: Injury at the 2026 Olympics
The most current and verified reason Sidney Crosby didn’t play today is due to a lower-body injury sustained earlier in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
What Happened?
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Crosby was injured during the quarterfinal match against Czechia, exiting the ice after a collision that resulted in a lower-body injury.
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He subsequently missed Canada’s semifinal victory over Finland as he continued to be evaluated.
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Despite skating in practice in the lead-up to the final, Crosby ultimately did not play in the gold medal game due to the injury not improving enough to compete at the highest level.
Why Did He Sit Out Today?
Crosby and Team Canada opted to protect his long-term health and maximize the team’s chance to succeed. At age 38, each decision weighs heavily — and both coaching staff and Crosby embraced caution over risk.
Crosby himself confirmed that while he was “pretty close” to playing, he decided it was best not to take the ice because he wasn’t at 100% and didn’t want to compromise his team’s performance.
But Was It the Only Reason?
Yes. The sole confirmed and reported reason for his absence today is injury and team protection. There are no verified reports linking his absence to personal disputes, disciplinary issues, or anything outside of health decisions. All major sports outlets and official Olympic statements point solely to the lower-body injury.
Fans’ Confusion Explained
Questions like “Why didn’t he play today?” often emerge for several reasons:
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High Stakes: It was a gold medal game, and Crosby playing would have been a major storyline.
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Mixed Updates: Earlier in the week, there was still hope and some mixed messaging about his status — to the point that decision makers waited until shortly before the game to finalize the roster.
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Practice Presence: Crosby’s participation in practices made it seem like he might play, increasing confusion when he ultimately did not.
Ultimately, solid journalism confirms his absence was strictly due to injury management.
What Teammates and Coaches Said
Team Support and Strategy
Team Canada coach Jon Cooper said Crosby was evaluated right up to the last moment and that decisions were made in the best interest of the team.
Meanwhile, teammates like Connor McDavid continued to praise Crosby’s leadership, even in his absence — highlighting his influence beyond actual ice time.
Is This the End of Crosby’s International Career?
At 38, speculation naturally arises about retirement or winding down. While missing key Olympic games is disappointing, there is no confirmed retirement announcement. Any future decision about international or NHL play will be based on Crosby’s health, performance, and personal wishes — none of which have been finalized or publicly declared.
Sidney Crosby Personal Life: Does He Have a Wife?
Relationship Status
As of early 2026, Sidney Crosby is not married and has no publicly verified wife. While Crosby is intensely private about his personal life and not one to share many details publicly, credible reports consistently describe him as single with a long-term relationship in the past, but no marriage certificate or confirmed spouse.
Reports have also noted that Crosby has dated model Kathy Leutner, though they have not been publicly confirmed as a married couple. Some media have even explored them as a couple or long-term partners, but no marriage has been verified through official sources or Crosby’s own statements.
Why the Confusion?
Crosby’s extremely low-profile approach to dating fuels speculation. Unlike many celebrities, he avoids sharing personal details on social media or in the press — which creates rumors and misinterpretations online.
Sidney Crosby: Legacy and Career Highlights
Even at 38, Crosby’s legacy is unparalleled:
Multiple Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hart Trophy & Conn Smythe Awards.
Two Olympic Gold Medals.
Legendary “Golden Goal” in the 2010 Olympics.
His contributions stretch beyond statistics — defining an era in hockey and inspiring countless young players worldwide.
FAQs
Why didn’t Sidney Crosby play today?
Sidney Crosby did not play due to a lower-body injury sustained earlier in the tournament. Although he was evaluated and practiced, he wasn’t fully ready to compete and the team opted to protect his health and performance.
Is Sidney Crosby injured?
Yes — a lower-body injury from the quarterfinals kept him out of subsequent games, including the Olympic gold medal match.
Did Crosby retire because he didn’t play?
No. Missing the game was injury-related, and there are no official retirement announcements at this time.
Does Sidney Crosby have a wife?
No credible report confirms Crosby has a wife. He has kept relationships private and is not publicly married.
Will Sidney Crosby play again in the Olympics?
At this point, only future health and decisions will determine if Crosby plays in international competitions again.
Final Thoughts
Sidney Crosby’s absence in today’s game was significant news for hockey fans, but the reason is rooted in one of the most straightforward aspects of athlete management: injury and recovery. Despite the disappointment, his legacy remains intact — and his influence off the ice continues to define him as much as his achievements on it.
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