If anybody could’ve foreseen Alex Ovechkin breaking one of the most impressive NHL records in league history, it would’ve been Sidney Crosby. However, after Ovechkin scored his long-dreamed 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky in the all-time list, even the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ star admitted his surprise.
Drafted just one year apart, but making their NHL debuts during the 2005-06 campaign, Crosby and Ovechkin have had their careers intertwined. Both made their first appearance on October the 5th, 2005, and ever since they have put on a second-to-none journey in the league, rising up to the spotlight whenever facing each other and under the brightest lights.
Both stars’ legacies will continue to influence younger players around the world. Despite nearing the twilight of their careers, Ovi and Sid remain the two most recognized and beloved active players in the game. The two came into the league with sky-high expectations, yet they’ve only exceeded them, going after many of Gretzky‘s accolades, which were previously thought unbreakable.
Though Crosby and Ovechkin are 37 and 39 years old, respectively, they’re still playing at full force. Both recently reminded the hockey world of their greatness by surpassing ‘The Great One’ in impressive statistical feats. Ovi broke the all-time goals record, while Sidney became the first player ever to register 20 point-per-game seasons.
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses with the puck used during his 895th career goal in the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 06, 2025 in Elmont, New York. Ovechkin’s goal passes Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals to become the NHL all-time goal-scoring leader.
After Ovechkin’s historic accomplishment, Crosby was asked for his thoughts on the milestone. He shared a firm message congratulating his friend and longtime competitor—while also delivering an honest admission.
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“This one I thought not to be attainable, and he found a way to do it,” Sidney Crosby stated, via Pens Inside Scoop on X. “It’s hard to put into words, we played against each other for 20 years, and he accomplished some great things over that time. Amazing moment for him, his family, his teammates, and, obviously, the whole league.”
Reaching out
Though Ovechkin and Crosby faced off in epic showdowns over the years, starring a legendary rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals in the NHL, the two superstars have always shown much respect for one another. Ovechkin is one of the most well-respected stars in the game, receiving messages from players all around the league after his record-breaking afternoon.
“We text a little bit,” Crosby added. “Obviously, when he tied the record I reached out, and again [after he broke it]. You think of how long hockey history is, how long the game’s been around – and to be playing at a time when he gets a record like that is special.”
No playoff meeting
Crosby’s Pens and Ovechkin’s Caps have met four times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first series between the two sides came during the 2008-09 season, in which Pittsburgh advanced thanks to a 6-2 victory in Game 7. They wouldn’t meet again until the NHL realligned its division, forming the Metropolitan Divisio where the Capitals and Penguins winded up.
Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky pose for a photograph in the Washington Capitals’ locker room after Ovi broke the NHL goals record with his 895th career goal on April 6, 2025 at UBS Arena.
This decision gave place to three consecutive playoff meetings in 2016, 2017, and 2018. A shared sentiment characterized these series: whoever came out on top would be the heavy favorite to the Stanley Cup. And it proved true on the ice. The Pens advanced in 2016 and 2017, going on to hoist Lord Stanley in consecutive years, while the Caps finally avenged their losses in 2018, as Ovi guided the franchise to its first championship.
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“It’s really rare that you go head-to-head like that, being in the same division, coming in with those kind of expectations. The playoff series and everything that goes along with it, it’s unique. I definitely appreciate it, and there’s mutual respect there.”
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Unfortunately, fans in the league won’t see a new playoff showdown between the two legends, as the Penguins fell to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday and were oficially eliminated from postseason contention.
