Sidney Crosby’s still got it. The Canadian captain put on a show in Team Canada’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Sweden to kick off the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal.
The 36-year-old superstar dished out three assists in his first game wearing the maple leaf in nine years.
“How many more years is he going to play? He could play into his 40s,” says Rick Tocchet, who’s now serving as Team Canada’s assistant coach after working with Crosby in Pittsburgh. “He takes care of himself, and his hockey I.Q. is outstanding.”
What really sets Crosby apart, according to Tocchet, is his commitment to playing the complete game.
“The one thing people don’t understand is that Sid doesn’t cheat,” Tocchet told Postmedia. “He plays a 200-foot game. If he really wanted to – and I keep telling people this — Sid could play another five years.”
That’s pretty impressive for a player who’s been the face of Canadian hockey for nearly two decades.
Now wearing the “C” for Team Canada once again, Crosby’s bringing more than just his on-ice skills. His international experience is proving invaluable for the younger players on the roster, something head coach Jon Cooper and his staff are counting on.
This tournament might be just the beginning. Crosby’s got his sights set on next year’s Winter Olympics in Italy, which could be one of his final chances to represent Canada on the international stage.
The way he’s playing right now, you wouldn’t bet against him adding another golden chapter to his already legendary career.
