The 4 Nations Face-Off has been all about the young stars, right? Wrong. Because while the tournament has at several times been a showcase for the NHL’s next generation, one 37-year-old is out here reminding everyone exactly who still runs the league. And it’s none other than Sidney Crosby.

As Big Head Hockey posted on X: “Points leaders at the Four Nations: 5 — Sidney Crosby 4 — Jake Guentzel 4 — Zach Werenski 4 — Connor McDavid 4 — Mikael Granlund. Crosby might be the tournament MVP if they can win on Thursday.” There’s a reason he’s called Captain Canada. Because when he dons that red sweater, you just know you’re going to be in for a treat.

Sidney Crosby, the oldest player in the tournament, has been nothing short of dominant. After he suffered an arm injury on 5th February and subsequently missed a few games, Crosby’s appearance in the tournament looked doubtful. But defying all expectations, Crosby turned up. No, scratch that. He didn’t just turn up; he’s taken the whole tournament by storm.

An example that encapsulates his time at the tournament would be the empty netter he scored in Canada’s must-win game against Finland that sealed the door shut on the Finns as they looked to claw their way back into the game. Comeback? Not on Sidney Crosby’s watch.

With five points through three games, he’s been the calm, collected leader for Team Canada, stepping up in clutch moments—but let’s break it down: three assists in a nail-biter OT win vs. Sweden on February 14, a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win over Finland on February 15, and another assist against the U.S. in a tough 4-2 loss on February 17. That’s five points in three games, tied with Zach Werenski, to lead all skaters in the tournament.

Sidney Crosby is leading the charge

Despite competing alongside next-gen NHL superstars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar—all in their prime—Sidney Crosby is still running the show. Even Team Canada’s head coach, Jon Cooper, couldn’t hold back the praise: “He’s a true inspiration to all the young guys in our locker room, and even older guys. In our country, he walks on water, and he’s as humble as they come. You can see why he is, arguably, one of the most respected people in this game.”

And it’s not just his coach noticing. Teammates, too, are still in awe. Nathan MacKinnon admitted: “He was my favourite player growing up. I think for a lot of us, he was our favourite player. He’s still one of the best passers in the game, one of the best players.”

He’s been their stabilizing force, stepping up when things get shaky. When Finland made a late push in their game, Sidney Crosby physically threw himself into the play, disrupted the rush at center ice, corralled the puck, and hit the empty net.

That’s vintage Crosby. Now, the 4 Nations Face-Off final is set—Canada vs. USA, one last showdown for the title. The puck drops Thursday, February 20, at TD Garden, and yeah, it’s about to get intense. 

Sidney Crosby has the chance to lock in one more best-on-best title. If Canada wins, there’s a strong case that Crosby will take home MVP honors. But whether he takes home the MVP title or not, one thing is clear: Sidney Crosby is still HIM.