SAN JOSE, Calif. — Part of the thrill, and possibly the greatest part of the thrill for Mathew Barzal in being an All-Star for the first time, was the chance to play alongside Sidney Crosby, the National Hockey League’s gold standard and standard bearer.
Crosby showed up here despite not feeling well. He did not participate in the Skills Competition Friday night but was expected to suit up for the All-Star Game Saturday — at a locker stall right next to Barzal’s.
“It’s pretty cool. I got a chance to meet him this summer a little bit in Colorado.