Milan, Italy – Sam Bennett of Team Canada confirmed Thursday that an illness kept him sidelined during Wednesday’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Czechia in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The forward, a key member of the Florida Panthers, participated in Thursday’s optional skate and expressed his readiness to contribute in any capacity during Friday’s semi-final matchup against Finland. The situation adds another layer of uncertainty to Canada’s lineup as they await updates on captain Sidney Crosby’s status.
Bennett’s absence Wednesday marked a shift in Canada’s forward lines, but the team persevered to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The 27-year-old Bennett, who was a late addition to the Canadian roster as a replacement for Anthony Cirelli, had been primarily utilized as the 13th forward in the group stage, registering one assist. He emphasized his willingness to accept whatever role coach Jon Cooper assigns him, even if it means supporting the team from the bench. “I’m just happy to be here and contribute any way I can,” Bennett said, according to team reports.
Crosby’s Injury Adds to Canada’s Roster Concerns
The potential absence of Crosby looms large over the Canadian team. The veteran captain sustained an apparent lower-body injury during Wednesday’s quarter-final win following a collision with Czech defenseman Radko Gudas. Crosby did not participate in Thursday’s skate, fueling speculation about his availability for the semi-final. Head coach Jon Cooper addressed the media, stating, “We’re taking this day by day, and we’re not going to put anybody in harm’s way,” but added, “But if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more again in 24 hours.”
Crosby’s status will significantly influence Canada’s lineup decisions. If the captain is unable to play, Bennett could be slotted into a more prominent role, though likely not on the top line. The team is also monitoring the condition of defenseman Josh Morrissey, who was also on the ice for Thursday’s skate after missing the past three games with an undisclosed injury. Travis Sanheim has been filling in for Morrissey, having sat out Canada’s opening game against Czechia.
Panthers Connection on Display in Semifinal Matchup
The semi-final game against Finland will feature a notable intra-team rivalry, as several players from the Florida Panthers will be facing off against their club teammates. In addition to Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand are also members of Team Canada. On the Finnish side, Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Luostarinen represent the Panthers. NHL.com highlighted the unique dynamic, with players acknowledging the shift in mindset from teammates to opponents.
Lundell described the situation, stating, “We’re brothers. We’ve been playing for years together. We’ve been winning together. You know, we’ve been through it all together. But this is a different mindset. Now we’re enemies. Now we’re on different sides.” Mikkola echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the competitive spirit that will take over when the puck drops. The Panthers players have a shared history of success, including multiple Stanley Cup Final appearances, but the pursuit of Olympic gold will undoubtedly take precedence on Friday.
Looking Ahead to Friday’s Semifinal
Team Canada will await further updates on Crosby’s condition before finalizing their lineup for the semi-final against Finland. The team will hold another practice Friday morning before the 10:40 a.m. ET puck drop at Santagiulia Arena. Hockey Patrol reports that Cooper will announce the final roster shortly before the game. The winner of the Canada-Finland semi-final will advance to the gold medal game, with the opportunity to claim the ultimate prize in international hockey.
Fans can watch the game on Peacock in the United States and on various networks in Canada, including SN, CBC, and RDS2. Updates will also be available on NHL.com and through official team channels. The Canadian team will provide another update on player health Friday morning.
This is a developing story.
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