Oh yeah. Definitely. It's going to be tough if [the Penguins] are not there in the playoffs, obviously, so I'd like to keep playing, and I'd love to represent my country. We'll see what happens, but it would definitely be something I'd be excited about doing.

[Despite growing half an inch since last season, Crosby is one of the smaller players in the Penguins' camp. But he is more concerned about his strength.] I'm not happy with being average in that department, ... I lost some battles and that's going to happen. These guys are NHL players. If I can win more battles than I lose, I'll be a lot better.

Obviously, this is a new level, but the pressure has always been there,

Oh yeah, I noticed it,

It is so important to me to have my time away from hockey. Obviously, hockey is my passion; I love it. But definitely for me, time away from the rink and time when my mind isn't thinking about hockey is important.

When you don't gain momentum and you're in the box, it's tough.