sports

Crosby's gold medal game status up in air

Canada captain Sidney Crosby's availability for the Olympic gold medal game against USA remains uncertain as he recovers from a lower-body injury that forced him to miss the semifinal.

Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper has given Crosby a chance to play but declined to provide specifics on his condition. TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported a 70% chance Crosby will suit up, though the decision likely won't come until game time.

The Penguins star is Canada's oldest player and serves as a third-line center and first powerplay unit member when healthy. Canada faces a dilemma if Crosby plays but can't perform at full capacity, leaving them short a player in their rotation. The official lineup won't be released until approximately one hour before Sunday's game.