Throughout future first-ballot Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby’s illustrious career, he has created several historical hockey moments that will stand the test of time.
On the international front, Crosby will always be remembered for his heroics at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when, at 22 years-of-age, “Sid the Kid” sent Canadians from coast to coast cheering on their feet when with just over seven minutes remaining in overtime, he converted on a pass from linemate Jarome Iginla to score the Olympic Gold Medal winning goal in a historical 3-2 Team Canada win against the Americans. A feat referred to as the Golden Goal.
Crosby, who also scored several clutch goals in helping Team Canada win Olympic Gold at Sochi in 2014, was currently in the middle of a strong Olympic run which saw the 38 year-old produce six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in six games before leaving the game with a second-period injury during Team Canada’s 4-3 OT quarterfinals win against Team Czechia.
Without the veteran captain, Team Canada managed to not only defeat Czechia but also beat Finland by a 3-2 score, which puts Canada into Sunday’s Gold Medal Game against the U.S.A.
No definitive announcement has been made on whether Crosby will be able to play, but given that this will be his last Olympics and how much he loves playing on the international stage, don’t bet on him sitting out.
“We have 48 hours to decide that,” Team Canada coach Jon Cooper said after their semi-finals win. “But I will tell you he’s got a better chance of playing in the gold medal game than he had playing in tonight’s game.”
Look for Crosby to not only be in the lineup but to have an impact and perhaps create one more magical Olympic moment to his career.
Expect to See Team Canada’s Sidney Crosby Back for Olympic Gold Medal Finals
Crosby Breaks Modern Day Point Record
During the preliminary stage, Crosby made some more hockey history when on February 15th, during a Team Canada 10-2 win against France, he recorded three-points which gives him with 16 points, the modern day record for most points by a Canadian player in the Olympics.
Crosby, who is playing in his third Olympics, has produced 16 points in 16 games. He passed Iginla who originally held the record with 14 points in 19 Olympic games.
During Crosby’s first Olympics in 2010, he produced seven points which four years later in Sochi Russia, saw him get three points in Canada’s repeat Gold Medal performance.
McDavid Takes Captaincy in Place of Injured Crosby
Edmonton Oilers captain, and Team Canada superstar Connor McDavid grew up idolizing Crosby. During Friday’s 3-2 Team Canada semi-finals win against Finland, McDavid was with Crosby out, wearing the Team Canada captaincy. Something which McDavid obviously hopes is a one time thing.
“Just keeping the seat warm for Sid,” McDavid said. “Hopefully we can see him back here on Sunday. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him to miss tonight, and I’m sure it was a long game to watch. I know that for a fact.”
Pittsburgh Penguins Fans Have To Be Concerned
Father time has definitely not caught up to Crosby who this season has 59 points (27 goals, 32 points) in 56 games which is a major reason why the Penguins have been a big surprise this year by being in a playoff position. Pittsburgh, who are second in the Metropolitan Division, obviously must have a healthy Crosby if they hope to make the playoffs.
“I don’t think guys in this league are too worried about that,” Penguins forward Bryan Rust said about Crosby. “The opportunity to represent your country at the highest level, I think, guys are more than willing to accept that risk.”
While no decisions have yet to be made, you can expect Crosby even at less than one hundred percent to come back and play a major factor in what will be his final Olympic game.
Main Image: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
