Spotlight: Sidney Crosby
Canada looked to be in full control Monday afternoon, holding a commanding 4-0 lead over Finland and seemingly cruising to a berth in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. But as hockey so often reminds us, no lead is safe.
The Finns stormed back in the third period, scoring once before striking twice more in the final two minutes with an extra attacker, cutting Canada’s lead to 4-3 with just 77 seconds left. What had seemed like a sure victory suddenly felt like a potential collapse.
And then, as he has done so many times before, Sidney Crosby took over.
With Finland surging, Crosby halted Mikael Granlund—who had already scored twice—with a punishing open-ice hit before sending the puck 100 feet into an empty net, sealing a 5-3 victory and securing Canada’s spot in Thursday’s championship game against the United States.
"You see somebody from afar and you don't want to be disappointed when you meet them," said Canadian head coach Jon Cooper. "You want to meet your hero and you want them to be your hero. And honestly, a lot of times, it doesn't happen. Well, the light that you look at Sidney Crosby, it's still the same light when you meet him. He's a true inspiration to all the young guys in that locker room, and even older guys."
Crosby’s Timeless Impact on Canadian Hockey
At 37 years old, Crosby isn’t playing at 100% in this tournament, but his leadership, intelligence, and relentless work ethic remain unmatched. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native has made a career of delivering for Canada when it matters most.
He scored the golden goal at the 2010 Olympics, captained Team Canada to another Olympic gold in 2014, and led the country to victory in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. In fact, Canada is 27-1 in its last 28 games with Crosby in the lineup.
Even after a costly turnover in Canada’s 3-1 loss to the United States earlier in the tournament, Crosby owned his mistake, regrouped the team, and responded with a game-clinching moment against Finland. His ability to lead by example has left a lasting impression on younger players.
"It's surreal," said Canadian center Sam Bennett of playing alongside Crosby. "Such an awesome guy and such an incredible pro. How he treats everyone, how he looks after himself, and his dedication to the game—it's pretty remarkable."
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel echoed those sentiments. "It gets a little close [against Finland],” he said. “Who is it that puts the icing on the cake? It's Sid. He's been doing it his whole career. It's pretty fun to watch and pretty cool to be a part of."
More Than Hockey: Crosby’s Legacy Off the Ice
Crosby’s greatness isn’t just measured by championships and highlight-reel plays—his impact off the ice is just as significant.
Through the Sidney Crosby Foundation, he has donated millions to children’s hospitals, youth hockey programs, and local food banks. In 2020, he personally contributed 100,000 meals to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, ensuring that struggling families had access to food during the pandemic.
He has also made it a mission to support young hockey players. In his home province of Nova Scotia, Crosby has donated full sets of brand-new hockey equipment to underprivileged children, giving them a chance to play the game that shaped his life.
Additionally, he regularly visits hospitals and meets with young fans, always making time to give back to the communities that have supported him throughout his career.
A True Icon of the Game
With a career stat line of 1,654 points (609 goals, 1,045 assists) in 1,327 NHL games, Crosby is already one of the most decorated players in hockey history. But beyond the numbers, his legacy is defined by his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence—both on and off the ice.
As Canada prepares for its 4 Nations Face-Off final against the United States, one thing remains certain: when the moment calls for greatness, Sidney Crosby will answer.
As Jon Cooper put it best: "In our country, he walks on water. And he is as humble as they come. You can see why, arguably, he's one of the most respected people in this game.
