Canada took the ice at the Bell Centre last night at around 8 PM, with opening ceremonies leading into it. It was a wild game, particularly for Sidney Crosby, who didn't have quite the strength to end the game in regulation, as it required overtime.
Crosby was among the final players to discuss with the media before going off to the hotel, as he seemed already committed to Canada's next game.
This morning, Crosby and MacKinnon showed up in Brossard (15 minutes away from the Bell Centre) for an "optional" practice, even in the middle of a blizzard, currently hitting Montreal.
And by "optional," they certainly meant it. Only four skaters and two goalies, Samuel Montembeault and Adin Hill, who did not play the previous night, took part. Travis Sanheim and Sam Bennett, who sat out the previous game, also showed up.
That leaves MacKinnon and Crosby the only two skating following a game. A tribute to why the greatest of the greatest remains so.
Yes, defensemen like Drew Doughty were justified to take a breather following heavy minutes. But MacKinnon and Crosby weren't resting on the bench either.
And let's not forget going out during that winter blizzard just to practice. That's dedication.
It's hard not to wonder if we'll ever get to witness Crosby get together with MacKinnon on the same NHL team, which would be a real treat for NHL and analysts alike.
MacKinnon has the perfect coach and team to put his name on the all-time greats list, and Crosby will be right there with him, with Team Canada, of course. At least for now.