Nathan MacKinnon’s childhood idol and role model has turned into a training partner and an offseason neighbor back home in the Halifax area of their native Nova Scotia. One of his closest friends, too.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in the third period overtime of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Friday Faceoff: Should the Colorado Avalanche trade for NHL superstar Sidney Crosby?

Nathan MacKinnon outdueled his good buddy Sidney Crosby as the Colorado Avalanche beat the struggling Penguins, 4-1, Tuesday at Ball Arena.

The Avalanche's Brock Nelson trade was positioned by one analyst as a consolation prize for not landing the Penguins' Sidney Crosby.

Sidney Crosby has always been careful when talking about the NHL’s top players. Before facing the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, he was asked about Nathan MacKinnon’s view on Connor McDavid.

Would the Penguins do the unthinkable and move Sidney Crosby? Pittsburgh's long-time franchise star has repeatedly been linked to the Avalanche.

Sidney Crosby once babysat Brendan Brisson, the New York Rangers' latest acquisition. Crosby stayed with Brisson's family during offseasons. Brisson, a first-round 2020 NHL Draft pick, struggled with the Vegas Golden Knights but aims for a fresh start with the Rangers.