Sidney Crosby ‘Good to Go’ as Team Canada Prepares for 4 Nations Face-Off
Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby has confirmed he is ready to compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off after participating fully in the team’s first practice on Monday. The veteran forward, who suffered an upper-body injury last week while playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, assured reporters he is “good to go” for the international tournament.
Crosby Returns to Action
Crosby centered a line with Mark Stone and Nathan MacKinnon in Mondayโs practice, while Canada’s top line featured Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart, and Mitch Marner. Other line combinations included Seth Jarvis skating with Brayden Point and Brad Marchand, and Brandon Hagel joining Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Anthony Cirelli and Sam Bennett. Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers missed practice due to illness.
On defense, Devon Toews and Cale Makar formed the top pairing, with Shea Theodore alongside Drew Doughty and Josh Morrissey paired with Colton Parayko. Travis Sanheim served as the extra defenseman.
Crosbyโs Experience a Key Factor
At 37 years old, Crosby is by far the most experienced player on Team Canada’s roster. The native of Cole Harbour, NS, has led Canada to two Olympic gold medals, including scoring the famous “Golden Goal” in Vancouver 2010.
Crosby has recorded 17 goals and 41 assists in 55 games this season with the Penguins, though Pittsburgh currently sits near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and is unlikely to make the playoffs.
Fellow Canadian stars expressed their excitement over Crosbyโs presence. “It means a lot to Sid, it means a lot to everyone around here, it’s an exciting tournament,” said McDavid. Brad Marchand added, “He’s one of the best players to ever play the sport. It’s obviously great to have him here.”
Canadaโs Goaltending Decision Looms
Head coach Jon Cooper has yet to announce Canadaโs starting goaltender for the tournament. The team has three options: Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues), Adin Hill (Vegas Golden Knights), and Sam Montembeault (Montreal Canadiens). Hill was the first to take the ice on Monday, and reports suggest he has been the most consistent performer this season.
Canadaโs Power Play Loaded with Talent
Canadaโs top power-play unit boasts McDavid, Crosby, Reinhart, and MacKinnon, with Makar on defense. The second unit features Stone, Point, and Marner, alongside defensemen Morrissey and Theodore.
Tournament Opener Against Sweden
Canada opens the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden on Wednesday in Montreal. With Crosby back and a powerhouse roster, Canada enters the tournament as a strong contender for gold.