4 Nations: Crosby Ends Round Robin Play As Leading Scorer, Continues To Prove Dominance At Age 37

When the 4 Nations Face-off began, it was a chance for hockey fans worldwide to witness a young crop of NHL stars play together in an international best-on-best for the first time.

And despite all of the young, elite stardom up and down each lineup, the oldest of them all proved that he still runs the league.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby - who, at 37 years old, was named "Captain Canada" for the fourth time in his career - tied Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski with five points to secure the tournament lead in scoring during round robin play. Each player will have the chance to build on that and take the scoring crown in the championship game between Team USA and Team Canada on Thursday. 

Nevertheless, Crosby's production in this tournament is nothing short of impressive, even when just isolating the fact that Werenski is ten years Crosby's junior at age 27. But it becomes even more impressive when considering the players he's playing with - guys like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, who are three of the very best players in today's NHL and who are all in their twenties.

At 37, Crosby is not supposed to be able to do things like this. Yet, he's doing it on the world's biggest stage. And pretty much everyone is taking notice, including Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper.

“He’s a true inspiration to all the young guys in our locker room, and even older guys," Cooper said. "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.”

It was evident from the time the tournament began that Crosby was viewed in a different light than anyone else at the event. Young teammates - such as Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis - were starstruck in his presence. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner was in awe after receiving a Crosby pass ahead of his overtime goal against Team Sweden on Wednesday.

And, most recently, Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley - who joined the team on an emergency basis for their tilt against Team USA - gave Crosby an otherwordly compliment.

"It's a little bit like he's a god," Harley said. "You'll go blind if you look at him too long."

Crosby is and has always been great. But he unlocks an entirely different level when donning the Canadian maple leaf on his chest. He isn't 47-6 all-time in international play for nothing. He not only leads by example, but he tends to lead on the scoresheet, too.

Canada lost a heartbreaker to Team USA in round robin play on Saturday, and Crosby had a costly turnover on the game-winning goal by Dylan Larkin. They have a chance to redeem themselves Thursday and prove that Canada still reigns supreme in the hockey world, despite a stacked USA roster.

And it's a safe bet that - no matter the outcome - Captain Canada will be leading the way and continuing to prove that he's got a ton left in the tank.

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