Sidney Crosby ON:lle: This is what Jesse Puljujärvi thinks - "When he played in Pittsburgh..."

Canadian superstar Sidney Crosby played alongside Jesse Puljujärvi for two NHL seasons before the Finn returned to Europe this season.

Crosby was surprised to hear that his former teammate had briefly led the World Championship scoring list after three games played. Puljujärvi collected 3+2=5 points in his first three World Championship games.

– Is that so? I didn’t know that, Crosby marveled in an interview with Ilta-Sanomat in Fribourg.

After this, the Canadian hockey icon offered familiar, gentlemanly compliments.

– It’s cool to hear that he’s doing well. I can’t say I’m completely surprised that he’s leading the scoring list. He’s a big and skilled guy, and Finland has played really well in this tournament based on the results, Crosby continued.

Crosby also revealed what kind of teammate Puljujärvi was during his years in Pittsburgh.

– When he played with us in Pittsburgh, he was reliable. He’s a big player who can create a lot of opportunities, Crosby described the Finnish winger currently representing Geneve-Servette in the Swiss league.

In agreement was Canadian star defenseman Darnell Nurse, who played with Puljujärvi on the Edmonton Oilers for six different seasons.

– He always had a smile on his face. One of the hardest-working players I’ve played with. He was always on the stationary bike and working hard in the gym. A great teammate. It was fun to play with him, Nurse praised the nature-child-like Puljujärvi, who has charmed NHL media and fans.

Canada and Finland are playing in different preliminary groups at the World Championships, so the tournament favorites will only meet in the knockout stage at most.