Don’t call it a passing of the torch. At least not around Connor McDavid. “I think you’re gonna see Sid in 12 months,” said No. 97, who put himself into the same echelon as No. 87 on

And then - just like Sidney Crosby before him 15 years ago - the best player in the world came through for his team and his country. Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington made some ten-bell saves earlier on in the overtime period to keep Canada's hopes alive.

International hockey history has always been kind to Team Canada. Paul Henderson’s Summit Series heroics. Sidney Crosby’s shining moment in 2010. Gold in four of five best-on-best tournaments from 2002-16.

Canada has No. 87 and Mythical on Ice. This is the most rarefied status to which Sidney Crosby has climbed. “Crosby! Crosby! Crosby!” the adoring audience at Bell chanted when the center climbed over the boards just about 5:30 into overtime of Canada’s 4 Nations opener on Wednesday against Sweden.