Finland clash looms as Sidney Crosby set to test injury in morning skate

Feb 19, 2026 (3:57 PM)

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Sidney Crosby injury chatter hit hard Thursday, and Team Canada now faces a Finland semifinal with real nerves.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports Crosby could take a quick skate Friday morning, but he is unlikely to play against Finland.

Canada can survive a shift or two without 87, but losing his center-ice control changes everything.

This isn’t about leadership quotes, it’s about puck touches and clean exits when Finland stacks the middle.

Crosby left Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia and did not return, which is why this feels like a true game-time cloud.

Nick Suzuki already slid into that spot in the quarterfinal, and that’s the obvious plug-and-play if Crosby can’t go.

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Suzuki does not bring Crosby’s instant possession, but he does bring structure, pace, and a quick give-and-go game that can keep the line moving.

Canada will likely simplify early if Suzuki centers that unit, with wingers driving north and pucks going behind Finland’s blue line.

You can almost hear Canadian fans holding their breath, because nobody wants this tournament decided by a “lower-body” mystery.

Finland will test that replacement center immediately with hard layers and quick counters through the dots.

If Suzuki gets the nod, watch for Canada to lean on the man advantage to manufacture offense instead of chasing five-on-five perfection.

Faceoffs matter more, too, because Finland loves to turn one clean win into a full-zone shift.

Canada still has enough top-six bite to outscore problems, but the margin gets thinner without Crosby’s calming shifts.

Friday is about answers, either Crosby proves he can push, or Suzuki turns a scary moment into a measured win.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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FEVRIER 19\|293 ANSWERS Finland clash looms as Sidney Crosby set to test injury in morning skate Should Nick Suzuki keep Sidney Crosby’s spot against Finland if #87 can't go?
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