Pens coach Mike Sullivan makes powerful comparison between Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry and two NBA legends

Alex Ovechkin broke an impressive record by surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL‘s all-time leading goal scorer, sparking reactions from various figures around the league. Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan boldly drew a parallel between the rivalry of the Washington Capitals star and Sidney Crosby, comparing them to two NBA legends.

Being the best in a given era often leads to a rivalry driven by the desire to outdo each other and achieve greater results. Throughout their careers, Ovechkin and Crosby have been at the center of a constant competition to determine who stands above the rest. This rivalry came back into focus after the Capitals forward broke Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 goals.

Sullivan, who coaches Crosby’s team, has shown himself to be a student of sports history and used the rivalry between the Penguins star and Ovechkin to draw a comparison to the competition between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two NBA legends who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

Sullivan’s comparison of Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry to NBA legends

“It reminds me in a lot of ways, like, Larry Bird and Magic (Johnson) did for the NBA. Not only were they great players, but they had a certain charisma about them in the way they carried themselves and how they’re ambassadors for the game, they just advanced the game,” Sullivan said, according to NHL insider Wes Crosby.

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on after an assist on a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Capital One Arena on March 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry

Ovechkin and Crosby have been iconic rivals in the NHL for nearly two decades. Their rivalry began in 2005, when both made their league debuts, and since then they have been the faces of their respective franchises. Although their styles are completely different, their ongoing battle for championships, individual awards, and leadership on the ice has defined an era of modern hockey.

see also

NHL News: Sidney Crosby drops blunt admission about Alex Ovechkin dethroning Wayne Gretzky

The same thing happened during the 1980s when Bird and Johnson captivated NBA fans every time the Lakers and Celtics faced off. Both Larry and Magic turned pro in 1979, sharing full contemporaneity throughout their careers, just like Ovechkin and Crosby. Sullivan’s comparison is fitting considering what these four stars mean to their respective sports.