Pens Points has all the news as the 4 Nations opens in Montreal with a Crosby masterclass.
Just one player in a lineup loaded with superstar talent, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby still stood above the rest and led Canada to a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden to open the 4 Nations Face-off at Bell Center in Montreal. Crosby didn’t tally a goal, but he did record three assists, including on the overtime winner by Mitch Marner. [TSN]
Pens Points…
After some concern he may miss the tournament for Canada, Sidney Crosby put all that to rest on Monday. Now, the hockey world can put its undivided attention on Crosby and other greats who are finally back on the international stage. [Pensburgh]
With the victory over Sweden, Canada has extended an absurd win streak. Dating back to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada has won 26 straight games with Crosby in the lineup, and 16 straight in best-on-best tournaments. [Sports Illustrated]
Aside from Crosby, two other Penguins will feature in the 4 Nations tournament, with Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell suiting up for Sweden. All three played last night in the opener between Canada and the Swedes. [Penguins]
Prior to puck drop last night, Mario Lemieux made an appearance at center ice with the four team captains and was serenaded by a raucous Montreal crowd. [ESPN]
With 303 points in just 120 games as a member of Rimouski Oceanic, it’s only fitting that the QMJHL names something after Crosby. Starting this season, the league’s Rookie of the Year award will be named in his honor. [Pensburgh]
Danton Heinen is back in Pittsburgh after being included in the Marcus Pettersson trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Heinen could very well be another piece of trade bait for the Penguins, but for now, he provides the team with solid depth. [Trib Live]
NHL News and Notes…
Since New Years, the NHL has been announcing Quarter Century teams for all the NHL franchises. Now fans will get a turn to vote on who should be included on the NHL’s Quarter Century Team, featuring those named on franchise first teams. [NHL]
It took some time, but Alex Lafreniere looked like a number one pick last season and it earned with a nice pay day with the New York Rangers. That form has since been missing this season in what is just another disappointment in New York. [Blueshirts Forever]
It’s looking like best-on-best hockey is here to stay and will expand going forward. After the Olympics in 2026, the World Cup of Hockey will return in 2028 with many more iterations planned in the years after. [NHL]