DENVER — Growing up in Nova Scotia, Nathan MacKinnon’s hockey idol was none other than Sidney Crosby. Today, Crosby is not only a mentor but also a training partner and offseason neighbor in their hometown of Halifax. The bond between the two has strengthened over the years, morphing into a cherished friendship. This camaraderie made their victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off wearing the Team Canada jersey even more meaningful. Whether as teammates during international matches or as opponents in the NHL, they push each other to reach new heights.
Despite their friendship, Crosby reminded MacKinnon who remains the seasoned veteran during Tuesday’s game, where his Pittsburgh Penguins were defeated 4-1 by MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche. The veteran center triumphed in several faceoffs against the younger MacKinnon. As the season unfolds, MacKinnon focuses on securing a playoff spot with the Avalanche, while Crosby faces the prospect of missing the playoffs for a third straight year with the Penguins.
At 37, Crosby still ranks among the league’s elite, a fact MacKinnon deeply appreciates, especially with their shared experience at the 4 Nations Face-Off. With trade rumors swirling as the trade deadline approaches, some buzz about a possible reunion in Colorado remains just that—speculation. Crosby tactfully avoided fueling the rumors, acknowledging the many “hypotheticals” in circulation.
For the Penguins, the season has been turbulent. They trail eight points behind the last wild-card spot with only 18 games left, making recent losses even more damaging. Despite the setbacks, Crosby remains optimistic, reflecting on snapshots of solid play that deserved better outcomes. Currently, he has amassed 19 goals and 47 assists this season.
On the other hand, MacKinnon is steering the Avalanche through the playoff race, trailing Minnesota by a mere two points for third place in the Central Division, as they aim to clinch the Stanley Cup for the second time in four seasons. MacKinnon, the reigning league MVP, has posted impressive numbers this season—93 points comprised of 23 goals and 70 assists—surpassing leading figures like Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov.
Crosby complements MacKinnon’s evolution, recalling how he first met him as a young player and witnessed his growth. Now nearing 1,000 career points, MacKinnon regards Crosby’s mentorship and friendship as invaluable. “It’s crazy how fast time goes. He’s a great friend. I’m happy to see him have success,” Crosby shared, noting the proximity of their childhood homes. Crosby, along with Boston’s Brad Marchand, set a precedent for aspiring hockey players from Maritime regions.
A special memory for MacKinnon was sharing the ice with Crosby at the 4 Nations Face-Off, an event where Crosby played alongside players who idolized him throughout their childhoods. MacKinnon reflected on the experience of playing against Crosby—19 encounters to date, with MacKinnon holding a slight edge in their matchups.
For Crosby, teaming up with MacKinnon at the 4 Nations was both energizing and demanding. As he humorously recounted, “Just trying to catch up to him, basically, playing the wing, dishing it to him, and then having to get up in the play wasn’t easy.” The mutual respect is evident, and both players savor the rare opportunities to join forces.
Beyond their personal accolades, being among hockey’s elite remains a focus. MacKinnon, alongside fellow Canadian superstars like Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov, consistently stands out in discussions about the NHL’s best players. “He tries to let his actions speak for that,” Crosby said of MacKinnon’s approach to accolades, underscoring the appreciation he has developed for MacKinnon’s prowess through their close relationship.
