When Nathan Mackinnon called Sidney Crosby for advice during the Stanley Cup

During the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon found himself in a goal-scoring slump, failing to find the back of the net in the first three games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In a bid to regain his scoring touch, he decided to reach out to his friend and fellow Nova Scotian, Sidney Crosby, for some advice.

Nathan MacKinnon recorded just two assists in the final series and was feeling the pressure to score. Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, knew what it took to win at this level. He advised MacKinnon not to put too much pressure on himself and to continue playing to his strengths.

The bond between the two NHL stars extends beyond their shared roots in Nova Scotia. They usually train together in the offseason and stay in touch throughout the year. MacKinnon’s decision to reach out to Crosby for advice is a testament to their close relationship and the trust that exists between them.

Crosby's advice seemed to have paid off as Nathan MacKinnon finally broke his goal-scoring drought in Game 4 with a second-period power play goal. Despite losing the game 5-4, MacKinnon's performance was a much-needed boost for his team.

As the Avalanche battled against the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final, MacKinnon found comfort in knowing that he had the support and guidance of one of the greatest players in NHL history. The two stars' friendship and trust played a significant role in the Avalanche's success in the series.

The Avalanche returned home with the chance to win their first Stanley Cup in 21 years on home ice in Game 5. MacKinnon might have reached out to Crosby again, seeing that he found himself at the center of the controversial overtime goal that led to the Avalanche’s 3-2 victory.

In the storybook ending, Nazem Kadri scored the game-winning goal on a partial breakaway in his Stanley Cup Final debut. However, one Avalanche player, MacKinnon, did not complete his change, making it a too-many-men penalty. The goal could have easily been waved off, but the Avalanche got away with it.

In conclusion, MacKinnon's decision to call Crosby for advice during the Stanley Cup Final was a wise one. His slump-breaking goal in Game 4 and the Avalanche's success in the series showcased the importance of having a strong support system, especially during high-pressure situations like the Stanley Cup Final.

Nathan Mackinnon and Sidney Crosby surprised Kenya's only ice hockey team

In 2018, the Kenya Ice Lions, the country's only ice hockey team, were given a chance to play against another team thanks to Tim Hortons. The Canadian multinational fast-food chain arranged for the team to travel to Toronto for a game. To the players' surprise, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon showed up to play with them.

The visit was a heartwarming reminder of how sports can bring people together from all over the world. The players were moved to tears, and the moment was one they will never forget. Tim Hortons has also pledged to help fund Kenya's youth hockey league, ensuring that there will be many more games in the future.