VANCOUVER—Sidney Crosby, not left at home this time, single-handedly prevented a coast-to-coast Canadian panic attack.Crosby scored the only goal of a shootout in which a nervous nation hung on every shot, giving Canada a 3-2 victory over Switzerland on Thursday and avoiding a second inconceivable loss to the Swiss in as many Olympics.

Sidney Crosby beats Jonas Hiller for the winner … (Getty Images)

Across Canada, there was a single response: Whew, was that close.Canada, a huge favorite despite a 2-0 upset defeat to Switzerland in 2006 that ranks among the greatest in Olympic history, took a 2-0 lead early in the second and looked to be cruising. But the Swiss, with two NHL players to Canada’s 23, came back to tie it on second-period goals by Ivo Ruthemann and Patrick von Gunten.After a scoreless third period and five-minute overtime, the first three shooters for each team in the shootout failed. Crosby, denied as Canada’s initial shooter, put a wrist shot past Jonas Hiller with his second attempt. The game ended when Martin Brodeur, the best goalie of his generation, stopped Martin Pluss’ shot.Crosby, who owns the NHL’s best shootout percentage (75 percent, 6 of 8), wasn’t certain he could shoot again until coach Mike Babcock asked if he wanted another chance.Canada, helped by early goals from San Jose Sharks teammates Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau, now faces a North American showdown Sunday with the United States (2-0). It’s a game Canada must win to be assured of gaining the quarterfinals without needing an extra game in a newly added play-in round.It was, too, for Crosby. Back in 2006, an 18-year-old Crosby was judged to be too young for the Canadian team and got no closer to Turin than his TV set.