Sidney Crosby has done it again! In the opening match of the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal, the veteran captain led Team Canada to a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Sweden. At 37, Crosby proved that he’s still one of the best, showing amazing skill, leadership, and calm under pressure.
Even with young stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on the ice, Crosby showed why he’s still “The Man” in a Team Canada jersey. Fans in Montreal gave him loud cheers—and he gave them a game to remember.
Crosby Starts Strong with Three Points
In the tournament opener, Crosby had a fantastic three-point night. He even set up the winning goal in overtime with a perfect pass to Mitch Marner, who scored with a powerful shot. This performance shows that Crosby is still a key player in big games.
He’s now on a 26-game unbeaten streak while wearing a Team Canada uniform. That’s no small feat and just adds to his legendary status.
Young Stars Praise Crosby’s Magic
Connor McDavid, considered one of the best in today’s game, couldn’t stop praising Crosby. “It’s amazing, he’s ageless,” McDavid said. “It shows how well he takes care of himself and how smart he plays. He just gets the job done every time.”
This kind of respect from younger players shows how much of a role model Crosby is, both on and off the ice.
Power Play Perfection from Canada’s Top Trio
Canada had only one power play during the game—but they made it count. McDavid, Crosby, and MacKinnon teamed up for a beautiful sequence of passes that ended with a goal by MacKinnon. It was pure hockey magic and showed the kind of chemistry these stars have.
“It’s fun to play with guys who think and play at the same high level,” McDavid said. “We only had ten seconds, but we made it worthwhile.”
Tough Moments, But Canada Fights Through
The game wasn’t easy. Canada lost defenseman Shea Theodore to a tournament-ending injury early in the second period. That left the team with only five defensemen for the rest of the match, which was played at a very fast pace.
Sweden managed to score a few soft goals against goalie Jordan Binnington, and the match went into overtime. But that’s when Crosby stepped up again—keeping the puck alive and setting up Marner for the winner.
Crosby Still the Heart of the Team
After the match, Marner said it felt great to score an OT goal with an assist from Crosby. But Crosby was humble. He joked that he was already on the bench when Marner scored, but he did help keep the play going. That’s classic Crosby—always focused on the team.
Even coach Jon Cooper highlighted Crosby’s leadership. “He says the right things at the right time. You need a lift? He gives it. Overtime? He sets it up. His record with Canada isn’t a fluke. He’s one of the greatest ever.”
This win was more than just two points in a tournament. It showed that Team Canada is serious about winning. The game had speed, skill, and emotion—everything fans have missed in international best-on-best hockey. And at the heart of it all was Sidney Crosby, still leading by example, still inspiring his teammates, and still delivering magic on the ice.
With young stars like McDavid and MacKinnon around him, Crosby’s experience and leadership will be key as the tournament moves forward. If this game is any sign of what’s coming, hockey fans are in for a treat.
