Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Sidney Crosby closing in on Jonathan Toews Olympic mark Friday
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Sidney Crosby needs two assists Friday for a Canadian Olympic assist mark, and Team Canada wants to keep rolling at Milano Cortina 2026.
Canada opened the tournament with a clean 5-0 shutout over Czechia on Thursday. Jordan Binnington turned aside 26 shots and never looked rattled.
Crosby started the Games like Crosby, calm, precise, always available in the right lane. He picked up two assists and quietly drove the top line.
Connor McDavid did the loud part, finishing with three assists in the opener. That is the kind of head start that changes an entire group stage.
The next test is Switzerland on Friday, with puck drop listed at 3:10 p.m. ET. It is on Peacock and CBC platforms.
The NHLPR graphic lays it out: Crosby has 7 assists in 14 Olympic games with NHL players. Two more against Switzerland ties Jonathan Toews for the Canadian lead.
Toews set the pace in the NHL-player era with a monster Vancouver 2010, leading that tournament with seven assists.
Now Crosby gets his shot with the same formula, win draws, work the half wall, slip pucks into seams. The man advantage is where this record feels most gettable.
Sidney Crosby keeps Team Canada in control
Honestly, it feels like Canadian fans are just waiting for that one vintage Crosby shift that makes everyone exhale.
Switzerland will not hand him freebies, they close fast and force plays to the outside. Canada needs quick support under the puck so Crosby can distribute instead of fight.
If Canada’s wingers win net-front and the bumper stays available, two assists can happen in a hurry. One tap-in, one backdoor, and the record talk gets real.
Even if the milestone waits, the bigger point is banked standings and clean habits. Friday is another chance to look like the favourite, not just say it.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Crosby’s viral Marner quote turns Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada talk spicy
Crosby’s viral Marner quote turns Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada talk spicy
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 13|183 ANSWERS Sidney Crosby closing in on Jonathan Toews Olympic mark Friday Will Sidney Crosby reach the Jonathan Toews assist mark vs Switzerland? | ||
| Yes | 145 | 79.2 % |
| No | 38 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||