How Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are alike

The Nova Scotia natives share similar qualities even though they're nearly a decade apart in age.

When the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins face each other, it becomes the battle of Nova Scotia. The two first-overall draft pick natives — Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon — have developed a friendship over the years being from neighboring small Nova Scotia towns. But when they face off against each other, it's all business. 

"Obviously we spent a lot of time together, we were neighbors. Over that time, spending time together training and talking hockey a lot," Crosby said. "It's definitely grown and fun to see him doing as well as he's doing, I know he puts a lot into it." 

MacKinnon admitted to being a Crosby fan growing up. He said he followed the Penguins games when he was 9 and 10 years old. But he doesn't think he's as talented as his friend. 

"I don't think we've accomplished enough," MacKinnon said about his teammates compared to the successful trio of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. "Cale's (Makar) obviously the best. I don't think me and Mikko (Rantanen) are as good as Sid (Crosby) and Geno (Malkin), especially in their prime."

The Avalanche lost both games — home and away — against the Pens last season. MacKinnon scored the lone goal for Colorado and Pavel Francouz was in net for the 2-1 overtime loss at PPG Paints Arena. The Avs were missing Josh Manson, Artturi Lehkonen and Makar in the 5-2 loss at Ball Arena. 

Thursday night in Pittsburgh is the first of this season's two matchups, so the Nova Scotia friends get a chance to spend a little time together.

"We only see each other twice a year, so it's good to catch up," MacKinnon said. "Obviously we're good buddies. It's always good to see your friends."

The two have similar qualities, even though they're almost 10 years apart in age. Both have always been touted as "hockey smart" and demonstrate leadership with their respective teams. 

“He's as good as a leader as ever. Obviously I don't play with him but just being around him I can just kind of feel it and tell," MacKinnon said. 

While Crosby has succeeded in that important leadership role over his long career, MacKinnon has developed his own. Teammate Miles Wood referenced Michael Jordan's "The Last Dance" when talking about playing with the elite center. 

Although MacKinnon's teammates and head coach Jared Bednar have spoken about how he pushes everyone around him to be at their best, he has yet to satisfy his own fulfillments. And neither has his friend. 

"He’s accomplished everything there is to accomplish but he’s still hungry for more, which is pretty cool," MacKinnon said about Crosby. "Something I can relate to, I think — obviously, not accomplishing what he has, but always wanting more. He’s the epitome of that.”

Colorado remains one of three teams — Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights —to start the season undefeated after at least six games. The team would tie the franchise record at seven (Quebec Nordiques 1985-86) with a win and extend the NHL record for consecutive road wins over regular seasons at 16. 

Rantanen has had multiple four-point games and leads the team in points thus far into the season, while Alexandar Georgiev set the franchise record for most consecutive winning starts to begin a season. The puck drops at 5 p.m. MT on Thursday.