“It’s not good” – Sidney Crosby

The withdrawal of NHL players from the Olympic hockey tournament was not yet announced Tuesday night. However, everything suggests that the International Ice Hockey Federation will have to delegate replacement staff to Beijing.

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Moreover, as the days go by, skaters on the Betman circuit get used to the idea that they will have to give up the tournament for the second time in a row.

“It does not look good. Sidney Crosby agreed at a press conference in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. I do not want to look too far, but there is a lot of uncertainty right now. Let’s see what happens.”

Crosby, author of The Golden Goal in Vancouver in 2010, is also part of the 2014 Champion Roster in Sochi. The participation of NHL players has always been important to the Penguins captain.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Cole Harbor revealed that the skater played lobbyists to persuade circuit officials to send his troops to the Olympic tournament in 2018 after he refused to do so for Pyongyang.

Hard to swallow for the upcoming NHL retirement announcement No.87.

“It’s disappointing. It’s the second time in a row that we have lost [du tournoi olympique] , He mentioned.

Last chance?

We may forget it, but “Sid the Kid” is no longer a well-adapted nickname for it. At 34, he is no longer a major figure in his life. Upon learning of this reality, he realized that the Beijing Games on the Olympic stage would probably be his last lap.

“The best example would be to postpone games for a year, as they did in the summer. But the chances are slim [que ça arrive]. ⁇

McDavid is still waiting

Even if he does not return, Crosby will always have two Olympic gold medals to commemorate his two games in his trophy room. A younger generation of hockey players, such as Canadian Connor McDavid, American Aston Mathews or Cubeser Thomas Chabot, is a joy not yet experienced by the Canadian team’s shortlisted Cubeser Thomas Chabots.

“I sympathize with those who missed out on some opportunities. This is not an event that happens every year. You can not say it will grow for a few more months [pour te reprendre l’an prochain], Crosby points out. Games are an opportunity and a lifetime experience does not come often. Sometimes it is only possible once. “

Nothing like Vancouver

Patrick Kane, a member of the American Olympic team in 2010 and 2014, agreed.

The silver medalist in Vancouver and the fourth-placed Chicago Blackhawks forward in Sochi sees another opportunity to climb the Olympic podium, perhaps slipping through his fingers.

“I’m 33 years old. During my career, you want to play as much as possible,” he assured.

Despite dreaming of an Olympic gold medal, it is hard to imagine Kane being trapped inside the bubble for a few weeks in China.

“I don’t know if it’s a real Olympic experience because of the bubble and all the worries,” he said. Vancouver is just amazing. I do not think that experience will come close to what we experienced in 2010.

“The right decision”

His captain, Jonathan Toves, said he fully understood the hesitation shown by some colleagues in the NHL.

“Athletes prioritize their health, their families and their team ahead of the Beijing Olympics and its unpredictable scenario,” Franco-Manitoban said.

“Yes, the Olympics are great for the visibility it brings to hockey. However, skipping the lap is the right decision. “

A member of the 2010 and 2014 Canadian teams, the 33-year-old center is not competing for the position this time around. Therefore, speaking in favor of withdrawing players from the NHL is undoubtedly a little easier.