Nova Scotia’s Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston in February. – SUPPLIED BY HOCKEY CANADAArticle contentSome of hockey’s most important people are wringing their hands about recent reports the ice surface for the rink being built for the upcoming Olympics in Italy is too small.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWord started circulating a few days ago the playing surface at the primary venue in Milan is only 60 metres (196.85 feet) from end to end, making it nearly a full metre (3.15 feet) shorter than standard 200-foot NHL arenas. In a game where every inch counts, reaction has ranged from serious concern to outright panic from some of the movers and shakers in the game.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentBut Nova Scotia’s two big stars had virtually the same response when asked about it in media sessions – a big shrug.Article content“It’ll change things but who cares?” Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon said to The Athletic.Article content“If you have a foot less space, it can be a big difference. If you get a foot closer in the slot, I think that could be a big difference. But it’s the same for everybody.”Article contentMacKinnon’s Cole Harbour bestie had virtually the same reaction when asked about it on Saturday. Construction at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is still ongoing but Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby sounded like he’d play on a frozen lake if necessary, so long as he still got to compete for an Olympic gold medal.Article contentArticle content“It’s one of those things that’s really out of your control, so yeah, I think I’m just happy that we’re going to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics,” Crosby said during a scrum. “So regardless of what the size of the rink is or how that shakes out, the main thing is that it is done and it’ll be the same for everyone.”Article contentArticle contentThis will be Crosby’s third time representing Canada at the Olympics, which included his famous golden goal at the Vancouver Games in 2010. The 38-year-old will almost certainly be our country’s captain in Milan-Cortina and he is still in peak form so far this season, posting 30 points in 27 games.Article contentHis 18 goals put him in a tie for third in the league, six back of MacKinnon for the NHL lead. Crosby is 28th in the NHL scoring race. MacKinnon is first overall with 49 points in 29 games, putting him on a similar pace to 2023-24 when he set a career high of 140 points and won the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award as league MVP.
‘Who cares?’: Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon not concerned about potentially smaller ice surface at upcoming Olympics
