This will mark the 70th regular season meeting between Ovechkin and Crosby, who have a "great relationship," according to the Capitals captain.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Though it's been 20 years since Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby first entered the league, the rivalry between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins never gets old — at least that's how it feels for Ovechkin.
The 39-year-old will face off for the 70th time in the regular season against Crosby as the Capitals host the Penguins, and both are currently playing at their highest levels. Each is averaging over a point per game, and Ovechkin has goals in five straight outings.
"It's always fun. Obviously, he's one of the best players out there, and it's a challenge for our team," Ovechkin said about Crosby. "It's a big rivalry. The fans love it, you guys love it, so yeah it's always fun to play."
He joked that he wished he could go back in time, but as he reflected on the last 20 seasons against No. 87, which included multiple playoff meetings where the eventual winner would go on to win the Stanley Cup, Ovechkin has been thankful to go up against such a strong counterpart.
"I wish it was 20 years ago when you talk about what you think about Sid," he laughed. "Yeah, but right now it's 20 years. I think you go through ups and downs, and it's always fun to play against him and (Evgeni Malkin), as well."
Comparing Ovechkin and Crosby is analogous to comparing apples to oranges; they're both elite in their own right and not at all the same type of player. Still, since both entered the league in 2005, they've been in the same conversation time and time again, with critics, fans and reporters adding fuel to the fire of their rivalry.
From an outside perspective, it's been fun to watch, and at the same time, their presence in the league has helped grow the game.
"They play really well against each other... it's fun to be a part of," Dylan Strome said, adding, "It's been an honor to watch for a long time, and it's fun to compete (with them)."
Despite the outside noise, Ovechkin and Crosby have formed a strong relationship over the years.
"I think when you came to the league, you didn't know much about him. You tried to be focused on your game and then the past few years at All-Star Games, Olympics, you have the time to talk with him, meet him and spend time with him," Ovechkin said. "We have a great relationship for what we've been through, and it's nice. I respect him as a person and as a player as well."
Though there will be no love lost between both clubs when they take the ice at Capital One Arena, Ovechkin isn't taking the game for granted as he and Crosby both chase history.
"It's still on. I think it's always been like that," Ovechkin said of the rivalry. "Obviously when Sid and me came to the league, it kind of like was a show. When you go out there and you feel that energy and you feel the atmosphere, it's pretty cool."
