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Connor McDavid’s postgame detail raises injury questions after Canada’s Olympic loss


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Charlie McAfee
February 22, 2026  (1:55 PM)
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Connor McDavid of Canada reacts after losing to the United States in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Keen eyed fans noticed something wasn't exactly perfect with Connor McDavid and pointed to a potential injury as a cause for Canada falling in the gold medal game.

It was an unfortunate end for Team Canada as they fell 2-1 in OT to Team USA in the Olympic gold medal game, and though they gave it their best effort -- a mix of missing key players and a strong American side left them holding silver.
Unfortunately, Canada's strong power-play couldn't get things going and though they had several chances to put themselves ahead, it was Connor Hellebuyck and a bit of luck that prevented that.
Though there is one player who seemingly didn't really factor even if he was expected to, that being Connor McDavid.

McDavid potentially hurt during Canada/USA gold medal game

Canada's new captain and a player who was destined to write his own history didn't really find his groove, and there may be a big reason why.
Some eagle-eyed fans noticed that McDavid wasn't looking 100% and also saw that the world's top player was seemingly nursing a potential injury:
There is no guarantees that McDavid has suffered anything serious, however he did get slashed/hooked on the hand as he attempted a breakaway during the game which may have aggravated something.

McDavid's reputation takes a big hit after gold medal loss

McDavid was named MVP and best forward in the tournament, no doubt due to his 13 points, setting an Olympic record in the process. But the gold medal eluded him at the end of the day and for him that may be devastating.
For a player who has twice reached the pinnacle of the NHL and lost twice, losing gold has started to potentially shift his reputation as a player who might not be able to seal the deal.
He now shifts gears back to Edmonton where he will try and move past a gold medal loss and see if he can help the Oilers make the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight year, though a potential injury may throw a huge wrench into those plans.
Sadly, it just wasn't the year for McDavid though faced with a potential injury; there's not too much he can do.
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Connor McDavid’s postgame detail raises injury questions after Canada’s Olympic loss

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