Crosby, Karlsson reflect on 4 Nations leadership roles
Sidney Crosby sat at his locker following practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Friday and reflected on his upcoming opportunity to captain his country for the fourth time in his career. Crosby was named the captain of Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Tuesday, a responsibility he's earned three times before in leading the team to victories at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, the World Championship in 2015 and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
"When you get on those teams, there are so many great leaders. I think, for me, just having the opportunity to play for Team Canada and be a part of this group, it's been a long time," said Crosby, who will be joined in leadership roles by two assistant captains in Edmonton's ConnorMcDavid and Colorado's CaleMakar. "Regardless of who's wearing the letters, I think (we have) a lot of great leaders and just really happy to play for Team Canada again."
Erik Karlsson, a former captain in his own right, was also named to a leadership role for the tournament, as he will serve as an assistant captain for Team Sweden. Tampa Bay's VictorHedman will be the team's captain with Edmonton's MattiasEkholm and Toronto's WilliamNylander joining Karlsson with "As" on their sweaters.
"It's obviously a huge honor. It feels great and I'm excited about it," Karlsson said Friday. "It's been a while since any nation put the best team forward, so it's going to be an interesting one to play. I think we're all looking forward to it."
Crosby and Team Canada will open tournament play against Karlsson and Team Sweden on Feb. 12 in Montreal. Karlsson said there isn't any secret to playing against Crosby. He knows opposing defenders have to play him hard, move their feet, stay on the right side and be aware of where he is at all times.
"Luckily I've had a lot of practice over the years," Karlsson said. "It shouldn't be something new for me."
Crosby believes this particular international tournament, which will feature NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States, will be great for fans to watch and players to compete in. He said it will be "best on best" and acknowledged the importance of it giving players the opportunity to represent their countries.
"It's something that benefits everyone," Crosby said, "but as far as talking about growing the game, to see it at its best and international like that, it's pretty unique."
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José Negron
8:00 pm - 01.31.2025Cranberry, Pa.Crosby, Karlsson reflect on 4 Nations leadership roles
Sidney Crosby sat at his locker following practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Friday and reflected on his upcoming opportunity to captain his country for the fourth time in his career. Crosby was named the captain of Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Tuesday, a responsibility he's earned three times before in leading the team to victories at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, the World Championship in 2015 and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
"When you get on those teams, there are so many great leaders. I think, for me, just having the opportunity to play for Team Canada and be a part of this group, it's been a long time," said Crosby, who will be joined in leadership roles by two assistant captains in Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Colorado's Cale Makar. "Regardless of who's wearing the letters, I think (we have) a lot of great leaders and just really happy to play for Team Canada again."
Erik Karlsson, a former captain in his own right, was also named to a leadership role for the tournament, as he will serve as an assistant captain for Team Sweden. Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman will be the team's captain with Edmonton's Mattias Ekholm and Toronto's William Nylander joining Karlsson with "As" on their sweaters.
"It's obviously a huge honor. It feels great and I'm excited about it," Karlsson said Friday. "It's been a while since any nation put the best team forward, so it's going to be an interesting one to play. I think we're all looking forward to it."
Crosby and Team Canada will open tournament play against Karlsson and Team Sweden on Feb. 12 in Montreal. Karlsson said there isn't any secret to playing against Crosby. He knows opposing defenders have to play him hard, move their feet, stay on the right side and be aware of where he is at all times.
"Luckily I've had a lot of practice over the years," Karlsson said. "It shouldn't be something new for me."
Crosby believes this particular international tournament, which will feature NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States, will be great for fans to watch and players to compete in. He said it will be "best on best" and acknowledged the importance of it giving players the opportunity to represent their countries.
"It's something that benefits everyone," Crosby said, "but as far as talking about growing the game, to see it at its best and international like that, it's pretty unique."
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