Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are entering their 20th season with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively, marking two decades of one of the greatest rivalries in sports, which began in the 2005-06 season after the NHL’s lockout. Reflecting on their impact, Ovechkin said in 2023, “We saved the NHL.”
Both captains continue to be the driving forces for their teams, and their long careers have put them on the verge of major milestones. Crosby is just four points shy of 1,600 career points and 45 points away from tying Joe Sakic for ninth on the NHL’s all-time points list. Ovechkin is even closer to history, sitting just 42 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record of 894.
During the NHL Player Media Tour, Crosby shared his thoughts on their rivalry. “It’s really cool,” Crosby said, reflecting on their history and Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record. “It’s incredible what he’s doing. I feel grateful to be part of that.”
Over the offseason, Crosby has expressed his support for Ovechkin’s chase for the record, and few players outside of Ovechkin’s teammates have been as close to the action as Crosby. The Penguins and Capitals were separated by just three points last season, and Crosby and Ovechkin have faced each other 69 times, splitting their four games last season with identical stats of three goals and one assist each.
Crosby had a stellar season, recording 94 points in 82 games, while Ovechkin rebounded from a slow start to finish with 23 goals in his final 36 games, reigniting discussions about his chances of breaking Gretzky’s record.
Both players are approaching a rare achievement. They could become the first active pair of NHL players to rank in the top 10 for all-time points since 2007-08 when Joe Sakic and Jaromir Jagr did so. Crosby is already in the top 10, and Ovechkin is just 46 points away.
Despite their intense rivalry on the ice, Crosby and Ovechkin have grown closer in the later stages of their careers. Ovechkin recently mentioned how their relationship has matured, saying, “We’re good friends now. When we retire, I’m sure we’ll have a few beers together and talk about the last 15, 16 years.”
The rivalry will continue this season as the Penguins and Capitals meet four times, starting on November 8 in Washington and ending on April 17. With both players nearing the end of their contracts—Crosby is signed through next season and Ovechkin through two more seasons—fans should savor these matchups while they can. Crosby is hopeful for a contract extension, but Ovechkin has hinted that he may retire after his current deal.