With the regular NHL season coming to an end, one final chapter is set to unfold in the historic rivalry between Alex Ovechkin, the rising scoring legend of the Washington Capitals, and Sidney Crosby, the iconic captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the lead-up to this much-anticipated final duel, Ovechkin offered a reflective look at how his relationship with Crosby has evolved over the years.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the Capitals’ captain shared how his bond with Crosby has undergone a remarkable transformation throughout their illustrious careers. Once defined by intense competition and tension on the ice, their dynamic has matured into one of mutual respect and professional recognition.
“The first couple of years was not that good, but right now we talk, congratulate each other if we hit some milestones,” Ovechkin said, highlighting the personal and professional growth that has paralleled their time in the NHL.
Ovechkin emphasized how the fierce rivalry that characterized countless showdowns between Washington and Penguins has gradually turned into admiration—both for what they’ve accomplished individually and for their lasting influence on the game.
“Those relationships are like, you know, from the battle in hockey to outside of hockey—it’s a totally different thing,” Ovechkin explained. “After the game we always talk, we’re always chatting, and yes, we have respect for each other.”
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An indelible legacy in the NHL
“What we did for the NHL is a tremendous thing,” Ovechkin said. “People are going to talk about Crosby and Ovechkin, Pittsburgh and Washington, for maybe 20 or 50 more years—and that’s great.”
This perspective underscores the profound impact both players have had on the league, and how their long-standing rivalry has contributed to one of the richest narratives in modern hockey.
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Ovechkin–Crosby: A connection that transcends rivalry
Now 39, Ovechkin nears the end of the 2024–25 regular NHL season with an astounding 896 career goals, having added his latest on Sunday. Fittingly, his campaign will conclude in Pittsburgh—once again, across the ice from Sidney Crosby. “So yes, it’s a battle, but it’s a friendship right now,” Ovechkin concluded, encapsulating the remarkable evolution of his relationship with Crosby.
