MacKinnon eager to play alongside Crosby at 4 Nations Face-Off [Video]

Nathan MacKinnon had lots to contemplate this summer.

The Colorado Avalanche were ousted in the second round of the playoffs — a result that continues to eat at the reigning Hart Trophy winner.

MacKinnon was also, of course, focused on the upcoming season as his group again looks to ascend hockey’s mountain and grab hold of the Stanley Cup.

Another big thought occupying the star centre’s mind was the chance to finally live out a childhood dream at February’s NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

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MacKinnon was one of six Canadian players named in June to the country’s initial roster for the league’s first foray into international hockey since the 2016 World Cup.

The 29-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., is now poised to play alongside Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, who grew up in the same community, for just the second time — and …