🏒 Sidney Crosby Injury Update Today: How Absence Impacts Canada vs. Finland Odds & Picks
Sidney Crosby was injured during Canada's previous game at the Olympics and has been ruled out against Finland today in the men's hockey semifinal. I'm breaking down the latest news surrounding Crosby's injury and how his potential absence could impact the men's Olympic hockey odds and predictions.
🚑 What happened to Sidney Crosby?
Sidney Crosby left Canada's quarterfinal win over Czechia early in the second period.
Crosby appeared to be injured on a hit from Czechia's Radko Gudas in which he went down awkwardly on one of his legs. He was then hit again by Gudas and Martin Necas during the same shift. Crosby limped off the ice from there and didn't return to the bench for the rest of the game after being evaluated by Canada's medical staff.
Canada has listed the ailment as a "lower-body injury."
🗣️ What Crosby's teammates are saying
Connor McDavid: "He's going to have a big influence, no matter what. In the lineup, not in the lineup, he’s going to have a big influence. That's what he does."
Nick Suzuki: "He's probably one of the toughest guys in the whole league ... seeing how he takes care of himself, you can see why he's played for so long. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully, we can have Sid back, but I think I can find a way to play with anybody."
Nathan MacKinnon: "He's definitely one of the best leaders of all time. He's won everything ... He doesn't say much, but it's enough—everyone follows him."
🇨🇦 Will Crosby play vs. Finland?
Crosby has officially been ruled out of the semifinal matchup vs. Finland today after missing Thursday's practice. Crosby skated in a closed-door practice session on Friday to test his leg but ultimately wasn't fit to suit up in the game.
Canada only had one day off - Thursday - between their quarterfinal game against Czechia and their forthcoming semifinal matchup against Finland. At 38 years old, it's likely more difficult for Crosby to bounce back quickly from any strain he suffered in such a short amount of time.
🤔 Impact of Crosby's absence
As stacked as Canada's lineup is, the void left by Crosby is immense in terms of his skill and legendary leadership ability. That will undoubtedly impact multiple markets at the best sports betting sites, including the puck line and anytime goal scorer odds.
Who will wear the C?
Crosby has captained Canada at several international tournament since he first earned the "C" in 2014, including three Olympics.
McDavid will captain Canada today, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as his alternate captains.
Canada head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the growth in leadership he's seen throughout the lineup, including from McDavid.
"I've watched it grow," Cooper said. "You get to that 4 Nations tournament, and I think everybody was looking to Sid in that tournament. I think guys like (Drew) Doughty and (Brad) Marchand, the guys that have been there for a number of years, were the more vocal guys that stepped up, but I'm seeing much more out of the group now, especially Connor."
How Crosby's injury affects betting markets
Canada barely survived against Czechia in the quarters, needing a late equalizer and overtime to beat a team it was favored by as much as 3.5 goals against.
It's difficult to separate that overall performance from the impact felt by Crosby's injury when looking at the Canada vs. Finland betting lines, but the Canadians certainly seemed rattled after losing their captain in their previous game. As a result, Canada is now a -1.5 favorite (down from an opening number of -2.5) against Finland, while their moneyline has shortened from -550 to -450 at BetMGM.
Here is how the moneyline has shifted at BetMGM after the opening odds were released:
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Bets % | Tickets % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | -550 | -450 | 41% | 49% |
| Finland | +400 | +340 | 59% | 51% |
Here is how the puck line (spread) has shifted at BetMGM after the opening odds were released:
| Team | Opening spread | Current spread | Bets % | Handle % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | -2.5 (+105) | -1.5 (-155) | 56% | 62% |
| Finland | +2.5 (-130) | +1.5 (+115) | 44% | 38% |
💵 Will Finland cover the spread?
Our Gary Pearson offered his pick and best bet for the semifinal in his Canada vs. Finland prediction, which factors in Crosby's uncertain availability.
Missing Crosby would certainly shake up Canada's forward lines, as he was centering line No. 2. Here are my top goal scorer picks to target on Canada, impacted by which players I think will receive more ice time if Crosby can't play.
Anytime goal scorer odds provided by FanDuel.
- Nick Suzuki (+400)
- Mark Stone (+350)
- Brad Marchand (+460)
📺 How to watch Canada vs. Finland
- Date: Friday, Feb. 20
- Puck drop: 10:40 a.m. ET
- Location: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena (Milan, Italy)
- TV: CBC, CBC Gem, Peacock
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
