Sidney Crosby Sets Olympic Record, Shares Unexpected Gift with Opponent

Sidney Crosby continues to build his Olympic legacy, achieving a new milestone while demonstrating remarkable sportsmanship. The Canadian captain played a key role in his team’s dominant 10-2 victory over France on Sunday, securing first place in the preliminary round of the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Crosby Reaches Historic Olympic Point Total

Crosby registered a goal and two assists in the game, surpassing Jarome Iginla as Canada’s all-time leading Olympic scorer among NHL players with 16 points. He scored Canada’s sixth goal of the day, late in the second period.

HISTORY!! Captain wanted to join in on the fun and set a record in the process🇨🇦👏

Crosby is now the Canadian NHLer with the most points at the Olympics 👀 pic.twitter.com/7tVLYZXs0Z

CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics)

A Birthday Gift and a Gesture of Respect

The game held a special significance for French goalie Julian Junca, who celebrated his 28th birthday. Despite a challenging performance – he was replaced in net before the third period – Junca described the day as receiving “three gifts.”

“The first gift is the Olympics, the second is playing Canada, and the third is a little surprise,” Junca shared via the French team’s X account. That surprise came in the form of a game-used stick gifted to him by Crosby after the Canadian captain scored on him.

Julian Junca a eu un sacré cadeau pour son anniversaire 😲🎁#TeamFranceHockey pic.twitter.com/21g00thTVC

Équipes de France Hockey 🏒 (@Hockey_FRA)

“It wasn’t his best goal, but it gave us a chance to chat with him a bit,” Junca said.

Looking Ahead

Canada finished the preliminary round with a perfect 3-0 record and now awaits the winner of the Czechia vs. Denmark qualification playoff to determine their quarterfinal opponent. France, despite going 0-3, remains in contention for a medal, facing Germany in the qualification round, with the winner advancing to play Slovakia for a semifinal berth.

“Now we’ve turned the page and reset, and we’re going to prepare for tomorrow’s match,” Junca said.

FAQ

• What record did Sidney Crosby break? He became Canada’s all-time leading Olympic scorer among NHL players with 16 points.
• Who did Canada play in this game? Canada played France, winning 10-2.
• What did Sidney Crosby give to Julian Junca? He gifted Junca a stick from the game after scoring on him.

Crosby’s performance and gesture exemplify both his skill and sportsmanship, adding another memorable chapter to his illustrious Olympic career.