Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins (6-8-2) got a much-needed 4-2 win against the Washington Capitals (9-4-0) on Friday night. Before that, they had yet to beat a team with a winning record, and their slim playoff hopes already seemed to be slipping away. Things still appear that way, but Friday night was a good start. For Washington, even though they seemed to get better in the off-season, how they are playing to start the season is still unexpected.
That said, the real topic of conversation heading into Friday was greatness. Two legends off the game and first-ballot hall of famers, chasing down records and renewing their rivalry one last time. They will play each other again, maybe for a few years to come, but we need to appreciate it while we can.
Sidney Crosby Embracing the Moment
With Ovechkin’s march towards Gretzky’s record, Sidney Crosby’s potential milestones have been a little lost this year. In October, Sidney Crosby became the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 career points, which places him only 31 points behind Joe Sakic for ninth all-time. In addition, he is only two goals away from scoring 600 career goals. When he hits it, which he will, Ovi will be the only other current player to reach that milestone. There are many stars in the NHL and one day, we’ll be talking about them like we’re talking about these two. For now, these two are at the peak of greatness when it comes to players still in the league.
When it comes to the 20-year rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, none of it is lost on Sid. “It’s special,” Crosby told NHL.com. “It’s something that when you come into the League, you hope it can be something that lasts a long time. To be in the same division and for him to be doing what he’s doing right now, chasing down the all-time record, it’s incredible.” They were both named “Stars of the Week” for the week ending November 3.
It’s not lost on Capitals’ winger Tom Wilson, either. “When they had the stars of the week, I was like, ‘What year is it?” Wilson said. They’re still at the top of the League. I don’t think there’s been anything quite like it before. The two of them, the rivalry, the divisional opponent, and I don’t think there will be again. — It’s just pretty cool for the entire hockey world to be taken on that ride the last 20 years.”
Alexander Ovechkin 34 Away From History
When Wayne Gretzky walked away from the game with 894 goals, many believed his record would never be broken, and some of them probably won’t. But as of November 9, 2024, Ovechkin is only 34 away from surpassing “The Great One.” After a rocky start last year, it looked as if time had finally caught up to Ovi.
He didn’t seem to be moving the same, or as engaged as he once was. Something clicked after the All-Star break, and he finished the season with 31 goals. All summer, there was a debate on whether or not this would be the year. Twelve games in, Ovi has already scored eight goals. He’s definitely turning back the clock and is on pace to break the record by early March.
Both Players Are Appreciative Of Their Place In History
Heading into their 70th meeting on Friday, Ovechkin was taking in the moment. “It’s pretty amazing how much time flies,” Ovechkin said. “I just think it’s cool stuff when my first couple years there was a rivalry like Ovechkin-Crosby and everybody was pumped about it. The fans, you guys (the media). It would give you more motivation, more energy when you step on the ice.”
Capitals Forward Dylan Strome, who was only eight years old when these two joined the NHL, is enjoying being along for the ride. “They play really well against each other — it’s fun to be a part of,” Strome said. “It’s been an honor to watch for a long time, and it’s fun to compete with them.
“It’s fun for Ovi, too. “It’s always fun. He’s one of the best players out there, and it’s a challenge for our team,” Ovechkin said about Sidney Crosby. “It’s a big rivalry. The fans love it, you guys love it, so yeah, it’s always fun to play.”
Final Thoughts
Before Friday, Sidney Crosby had 31 goals and 59 assists when playing against Ovechkin, while Ovi has 37 goals and 30 assists. In the playoffs, Ovi has 33 points in 25 games against Crosby, while Sidney Crosby has 30 points. The Penguins won 3-of-4 playoff series between the two. Each time one of these teams beat the other, they won the Stanley Cup.
There’s one last crazy detail about this 20-year rivalry. Both of these players are nearing 40-years-old, and honestly, they both could pull a Tom Brady and play well into their 40s. Sidney Crosby is 37, while Alex Ovechkin is 39, and at this point in their careers, they are still must-watch TV.
