Connor McDavid, who served as Canada captain in Crosby’s absence, was unquestionably the best player on the ice. He had two chances to score in overtime, but one of his shots was blocked and one attempt rolled off his stick. He finished the Olympics with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), the most among all players, and was named tournament MVP.
“He did everything humanly possible to lead us,” Crosby said. “To come into a tournament like this, the best players in the world, and to be able to elevate to the level that he was at is unheard of. It’s something that’s amazing to see up close and you feel for him just because he did so much and led in every possible way.
“We all want to win for each other but you know, especially for him. It’s tough that we weren’t able to get that result.”
But they couldn’t and the U.S. did, with Hughes getting the 3-on-3 goal in overtime to end Canada’s reign at Olympics with NHL players.
“They made one more play than we did in OT, and you have to tip your cap to them,” Cooper said. “It’s (3-on-3) still a competitive nature out there and it’s different, it’s different hockey, there’s no question, players are put in a little different situation. But like I said, we didn’t score on our chances and they scored on theirs.”
Again, no regrets. Just one team making a play the other team couldn’t.
“We got a silver medal but it’s not what we came for,” Doughty said. “I really thought we played a hell of a game. I thought it was going to turn out different.”
