Olympic hopes dashed for Sidney Crosby and other Penguins

Even with the finality of it looming — without it actually being final — Sidney Crosby seemed to be holding out hope, albeit with a tone of despair

Inside the media room of the team’s facility in Cranberry, the Penguins captain stood at a lectern appearing forlorn while addressing what has become increasingly obvious in recent days.

The prospect of the NHL participating in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing has not yet been formally called off — at least publicly — but it’s become all but certain that Crosby and his peers won’t be competing on the world’s biggest stage in February.

Various outlets, including the Associated Press, reported Tuesday evening that the NHL, with the blessing of the NHL Players’ Association, will be opting out of the Olympics given the substantial disruption of the league’s schedule so far due to covid-19.

As of Tuesday evening, 50 games have been postponed and more than 100 players are currently in league protocols for the virus.

On Tuesday afternoon, Crosby, slated to serve as Canada’s captain, acknowledged that reality but seemed to retain a particle of optimism that something could be worked out.

“It doesn’t look good right now,” Crosby said. “So that would obviously be disappointing for it to happen a second time and not to be able to be a part of it. There’s just so many what ifs right now. I don’t want to get too caught up in looking too far ahead. The Olympics as a whole, I’m sure there’s a lot of conversations being had about that. We’ll just have to see what happens. A lot of moving parts right now.”

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, named as the United States’ coach this past summer, acknowledged the likelihood he will not get to fulfill that station. But he too maintained a stance of preparation.

“It’s an unbelievable honor to represent your nation in the Olympics,” Sullivan said. “It’s the honor of a lifetime, quite honestly. I don’t feel differently than a lot of people that pull their nation’s sweater over their heads. I’m hopeful that we’ll have the opportunity to participate. Until we’re told otherwise, that’s how we’re going to approach it.”

At 37, Penguins forward Brian Boyle wasn’t going to challenge for any Olympic roster spots. But the native of Hingham, Mass., has played for the United States on the international stage. Last season, he served as the United States’ captain in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championship tournament.

He understands the balance between the obligations of being an NHLer and the allure of playing for country.

“These guys, they’re pros and they’re contractually obligated and we get paid really well to do what we do,” Boyle said. “And there’s a fanbase in each city that is loyal and diehard and does a lot of things to buy those tickets and come out to games. Lots is invested in these players from their professional teams. You have a responsibility to do what’s best for that club. But we play the game because we love the game. The pride in your nation in being able to put on that jersey is a feeling … it’s tough to describe.

“To be able to do it at the biggest stage obviously is a big draw to the players in this league. That’s been well documented. But whatever the decision is, it’s got to be in the best interest in the people as well as the players. There’s a person underneath that gear. I’m sure they’ll do the right thing. It will be disappointing, I’m sure, if it doesn’t happen for the coaches, the players, everybody that would be involved. But I think people can understand why. … It does mean a lot to these players.”

Having won gold for Canada in 2010 and 2014, it still means quite a bit to Crosby. Especially after missing the 2018 Winter Olympics when the NHL opted not to participate because of a disagreement with the International Olympic Committee.

On Tuesday, he expressed a sentiment many of his contemporaries are likely feeling.

“It’s not something where it’s the next year or you push it a couple of months,” Crosby said. “These are opportunities and experiences of a lifetime that you don’t get very many of as an athlete. You might only get one. It just might happen to fall in your window. If that doesn’t work out, that’s unfortunate.”

Notes: Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel and Jason Zucker did not participate during Tuesday’s practice in Cranberry. Sullivan described them as having “maintenance days.” … Skating and skills development coach Ty Hennes returned to practice after being in protocols for covid-19. … Injured forwards Jake Guentzel (right hand), Evgeni Malkin (right knee) and Bryan Rust (undisclosed) all practiced in a non-contact fashion.