Ever since Sidney Crosby first stepped on to NHL ice in 2005, his name has often been accompanied by some version of “best.”
The same can be said about Connor McDavid, who made his first appearance a decade after ‘The Kid.’
It seems that it’s only a matter of time before McDavid assumes the title, but it’s serving as a fun debate for the hockey world as each player adds to his respective career highlight reel.
Crosby sat down with Sportsnet’s David Amber for an interview, which aired during Hockey Night in Canada ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Among topics discussed was McDavid’s game and whether or not it affects his own.
“I think it does push you to be a little bit better,” Crosby said. “It kind of brings your level up a little bit more.”
We’ve seen just that so far this season. After hoisting the Stanley Cup last June and celebrating a World Cup victory with Team Canada in September, Crosby led the league in points through the first quarter of the season and is still atop the standings for goals, with 21—all this while missing the first six games due to a concussion.
“I don’t think I need any extra motivation,” Crosby explained. “No matter what, there’s always going to be comparisons and people are going to have opinions, but I think that’s just good overall for everybody.”
McDavid surpassed Crosby in points to claim the league lead, with 39, and is also the current assists leader (27).
While technically McDavid is considered a rival of Crosby’s, the Penguins captain admitted he’s still rooting for the 19-year-old.
“I mean, obviously he’s on another team, but I think in the back of your mind, you’re still pulling for that guy. You still want to see him do well,” he said. “You know the pressure that comes with that, and he’s playing in Edmonton—he’s playing in a Canadian market. There’s a little bit of added pressure there, too.”
As for that “best player” debate, Crosby admitted he isn’t too concerned about the title.
“I mean, who decides that, you know? Everyone looks at a player’s game differently and what they bring. It’s a pretty general thing, right? What makes somebody the best player,” he said. “So, if I can be my best and we can win games, then I think that’s something I feel good about. I don’t necessarily need a certain title, but I think at the end of the day I’m competitive and if being my best allows me to get that title, then I’m OK with that.”
Crosby also said he’d “love to go” to the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea—another widely-discussed topic in the hockey world these days.
“I mean, you know, it’s hard to beat the two experiences that I’ve had with the Olympics,” said the two-time Olympic gold medallist and scorer of the iconic 2010 golden goal. “The Olympics is just a great experience overall, not only for hockey but just the whole experience with taking everything in. I’d love to go, I don’t know where it stands right now.”
While some players, most notably Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, have expressed their desire to compete regardless of whether or not the NHL agreed to it, Crosby wasn’t so direct with his response.
“It’s tough,” he said. “You know, I’ve thought about it, to be honest. I know guys have come out and said, ‘I’m going no matter what.’ That’s a pretty tough decision to make, and I think you have to weigh in on a lot of things at that point, but it’s a pretty unique thing to be a part of.”
