“It’s still there, maybe not to the extent that it was,” Crosby stated on his rivalry with Ovechkin and the Capitals, via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Hopefully people have been entertained. As competitors, as athletes, it’s been pretty cool to be able to be a part of some big games and that rivalry.”

The cooldown in the rivalry was made clear before puck drop and after the final horn in Washington’s 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh in the 2025–26 NHL season. Crosby and Ovechkin shared a moment before the game and were also together afterwards, when Crosby and Evgeni Malkin signed Ovi’s jersey and gifted him some memorabilia from the game. Moreover, Ovechkin thanked Crosby after the potential last matchup in the league.

Crosby vs Ovechkin: A rivalry built on respect

As fierce competitors as they are, and as much as both want to win against the other, Crosby and Ovechkin have built a bond over the years. As Crosby noted, the rivalry shifted a long time ago. The Penguins and Capitals haven’t been as competitive in recent years, and neither star has had it out for the other.

Instead, it seems both have become more aware of the other’s greatness. Despite being pitted against one another for their entire careers, both Crosby and Ovechkin have the utmost respect for one another, and their rivalry is far from an animated one nowadays.

Playoff matchups between Crosby and Ovi

Much can change if the Capitals end up coming away with a postseason berth. If Washington secures the third spot in the Metro Division, it will go up against second-seeded Pittsburgh in the first round. Perhaps that’s exactly what the rivalry needs to reignite its competitive flame.

Crosby’s Penguins and Ovechkin’s Capitals have met four times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the former holding a 3-1 series advantage. Moreover, the Pens are 9-2 all-time against the Caps in playoff series.

Washington is by far the team Pittsburgh has knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs the most. Maybe Ovechkin will get the last laugh. Or perhaps Crosby will send him into retirement with yet another playoff elimination.

As it stands, that might be a best-case scenario for the Capitals, who are in need of somewhat of a miracle to even make the postseason. As it stands, the Philadelphia Flyers are in full control of their destiny as the third seed in the Metro.

That would make for a vintage playoff showdown between the Flyers and Crosby’s Penguins. Contrary to his rivalry with Ovechkin and the Caps, that matchup will be filled with vitriol, as Crosby has lost none of his dislike for the Pens’ cross-state rivals.

“Me and Sid have a battle. We have lots of history. Obviously, it’s a special night for me, and for him, as well,” Ovechkin commented on facing Crosby on what might’ve been his last home game at Capital One Arena in Washington.

Ovechkin might have had the last laugh over Crosby in their historic rivalry, which was fueled by the utmost respect between the two best players of their generation, and two of the greatest in NHL history. Although Pittsburgh is headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Washington could miss them, the Caps defeated the Pens by a score of 3-0 in what could’ve been the last “Ovechkin vs. Crosby” matchup.

The feeling that this might’ve been Ovi’s last dance was strong all game long. However, Ovechkin left the door open on a return to the Capitals next season. As the Russian goal machine admitted himself, fans will have to wait until the summer to learn his decision.

100th all-time showdown between Ovechkin and Crosby

Fans in Pittsburgh didn’t love the fact Crosby sat out the potential last game against Ovechkin at PPG Paints Arena. However, the Pens’ captain made sure to participate when his team traveled to the nation’s capital. As Crosby missed the Capitals’ 6-3 win over the Penguins on Saturday, Sunday’s matchup was the 100th time the two stars faced off in NHL history (including Stanley Cup Playoffs games).

Playoff race

While speculation and retirement rumors have taken over around the City of Monuments, Ovechkin and the Capitals remain focused on making the postseason. They are in for a steep climb, but anything can happen. There is only one ticket up for grabs in the Eastern Conference, and that is the third-place seed in the Metropolitan Division.

That means that if Ovechkin and the Caps somehow make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will face Crosby and the Pens in the first round. The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’d be the fifth time Ovi and Sid meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If that happens, the “Ovechkin vs. Crosby” rivalry will truly be the gift that keeps on giving in the NHL.

“Thank you very much, guys, I love you so much. You’ve been tremendous over the years. We’ll see what’s going to happen,” Ovechkin said in a message to fans during his postgame interview after being named the first star of the game by the Capitals.

Ovechkin has openly admitted he will make a decision on his future during the summer. As he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 40 (turning 41 on Sept. 17), Ovechkin is going to consider all his options. Those include retiring from the NHL to return to Russia, where he’d likely play for Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, running it back in Washington, or retiring entirely.

Ovechkin didn’t shake hands with Penguins

If Capitals fans hoped to see more signs that Ovi may return next season, there was another after the final horn went off. As Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and the Penguins waited on the ice to shake hands with Ovechkin after the game, the Russian star waved them off.

During his postgame press conference, Ovechkin made that clear with a concise statement. “[I waved them off] because I haven’t decided yet. Thanks to them for waiting out there,” Ovechkin, who also thanked Crosby after a potential final game, told reporters after the 3-0 win.

If Ovechkin ends up retiring after the 2025-26 NHL season, several players on the Penguins may regret they couldn’t share one last moment with Ovechkin on an NHL rink. However, Ovechkin revealed—to no one’s surprise—that he met privately with Crosby and Malkin after the game.

Ovechkin’s contract situation

Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals back in July 2021. He is set to play his last NHL game under that contract when the Capitals take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 14. Not many expected Ovechkin to still be competing at the highest level by the age of 40. Still, the Russian goal machine is showing no signs of slowing down.

If it were up to the Capitals, they’d sign him to a new contract in a heartbeat. However, the ball is entirely in Ovi’s court. The decision is his—and his family’s—to make. His health is the main factor behind the speculation and retirement rumors, as well as the time he spends away from his family due to the busy schedule of an 82-game NHL season.

If Ovechkin decides to step away, no one will hold a grudge against his decision. Still, everybody in Washington—and across the league—hopes he stays for a while longer. That was made clear as fans inside Capital One Arena chanted for Ovi to play “one more year.” He’s clearly still got it.

Ovechkin stayed healthy

For the first time since the 2017–18 campaign, Ovechkin will appear in every single game of a season for the Capitals. It’ll be only the fifth time in his career he has managed to stay fully healthy throughout a season. Or perhaps he’s battled through injuries to help out his team in the playoff race and to make the most of his potential last dance.

The scenes inside the Caps’ home after the 3-0 victory over the Pens definitely had the feel of a farewell from Ovechkin. Regardless, anything can happen, and the Russian star won’t make any decision public until the offseason. At the moment, all he cares about is making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s a very steep climb, but if the Philadelphia Flyers happen to stumble, then the Caps could shock the world and snag a playoff ticket.

The veteran captain is listed as day to day with a lower-body injury, and his absence immediately changes the tone of a game that carried significant historical intrigue. Fans had circled the date as a possible final head-to-head meeting between Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, two of the defining players of their generation.

Crosby’s absence is particularly notable given the significance of Penguins vs Capitals matchups over the past two decades. Games between Pittsburgh and Washington have frequently centered on the rivalry between Crosby and Ovechkin, who helped define the NHL’s modern era. With both players nearing the later stages of their careers, every potential meeting now carries added weight. However, the priority for the Pens is the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Have Penguins clinched a spot in NHL playoffs?

Yes. The Penguins have already clinched a playoff berth and secured second place in the Metropolitan Division. That positioning gives Pittsburgh some flexibility to rest key players, which likely factored into the decision to hold Sidney Crosby out.

Locking in second place also provides clarity for Pittsburgh’s playoff path. The Penguins can now focus on recovery, lineup experimentation, and maintaining rhythm without risking long-term setbacks. It’s important to remember they’ll have home-ice advantage in the first round.

As a result, while today’s game loses the potential Crosby versus Ovechkin storyline, the bigger picture favors caution. The Penguins are focused on entering the postseason at full strength, even if that means fans must wait for another opportunity to see one more chapter in one of the NHL’s most iconic rivalries.

Who is out for Penguins vs Capitals?

The Penguins released a broader injury update that sidelined several key contributors. Crosby is joined by Ben Kindel (upper-body), Evgeni Malkin (upper-body), Bryan Rust (lower-body), Parker Wotherspoon (upper-body), Erik Karlsson (lower-body), and Kris Letang (upper-body), all listed as day to day. Connor Dewar (lower-body) will also miss the game and is considered week to week.

Ovechkin and Crosby have marked a generation of hockey players, and will continue to do so for ages. It felt like their on-ice rivalry would go on forever, but the finish line is now closer than ever. The Penguins and Capitals will face-off in a home-and-home back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday in what could be the last time the two icons go head to head.

Sunday’s showdown will be even more special, as it might be the last time Ovechkin ever plays a game in Washington—the only city he’s ever called home in his 21-season career. As a result, everybody wants to have a seat at Capital One Arena, and prices are going through the roof.

According to Axios, the average get-in price on third-party resale platforms (such as TickPick) is set at $377. That is well above the $102 average price for home games in the Nation’s Capital City. As reported by this source, the price has surpassed the previous peak of $319, which was set on April 10, 2025—the first home game after Ovechkin seized the all-time goals record in the NHL. This time around, the occasion is even more special.

Is Ovechkin retiring?

Ovechkin recently admitted he will take his sweet time during the summer to make a decision on his future. The Capitals’ captain will turn 41 before the 2026–27 campaign. Since capturing the all-time goals record in the NHL, there isn’t really a clear goal for him to go after.

After all, he has accomplished everything any player could ever dream of. If he decides to call it a career, he can walk away from the rink with his chin held high. Fans in Washington wish he could play forever, though. Needless to say, whenever he retires, a statue in his honor will be erected in the City of Monuments.

Ovechkin’s stats against Crosby’s Penguins

So far in their careers, Ovechkin and Crosby have met 74 times. When the 2025–26 NHL season comes to an end, the total number of games will be at 76—unless either one of them misses one of their upcoming bouts. Ovechkin has scored 38 times against the Penguins when Crosby is in the lineup.

When adding the games Crosby didn’t play in, Ovechkin has 42 goals against Pittsburgh. Over the weekend, he’ll hope to add to his total. Perhaps it will be the last time the two will meet. After all, Ovechkin only gets one chance to make a last impression.

According to MoneyPuck, the Capitals had a 23% chance of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs before the puck dropped at the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” However, the Capitals couldn’t make the most of their opportunity. Instead, they were blown out of the water by the young and hungry squad in New York. As a result, MoneyPuck now gives Washington a 6.3% chance of making the postseason.

Considering their odds entering Easter Sunday, the 8–1 blowout on Broadway reduced the Capitals’ chances by approximately 73%. Put another way, the Capitals have now seen nearly three-quarters of their chances vanish into thin air because of the thrashing at the hands of the Blueshirts.

Worst defeat in a while for Capitals

Losing to a divisional opponent never feels good. Doing so by a seven-goal margin to a team that’s been eliminated from playoff contention for a long time, though, stings much worse. The Washington Capitals hadn’t allowed eight goals in a regular-season outing since the 2005–06 NHL season.

The 8–1 defeat in Manhattan brought longtime fans flashbacks to the 7–0 loss to the Rangers in the 2010–11 campaign at Madison Square Garden. If there’s a silver lining—some may call it delusion—it’s that Washington ended up making the playoffs that season as a wild card. Perhaps the Capitals will have the same luck this time around. However, the outlook is far from promising.

Playoff race in the Eastern Conference

The Caps (87 points) are three points out of the last wild-card spot, with one more game played than the Flyers (90 points), Senators (90), Red Wings (88), and Blue Jackets (88). Matt Roy said it best: “We just need four wins in the next four games,” the Capitals’ blueliner said, via NHL.com. It sounds simple and comes out cleanly from the players’ mouths. Like most things, it’s easier said than done.

For a team that lost 7–3 and 8–1 in its last two road games (against non-playoff teams) and is set to play three road games in its final four, it shows just how steep of a climb the Capitals are facing. Aside from a showdown with the Blue Jackets, the Caps won’t face direct opponents in their playoff race.

Capitals don’t control their destiny

Even if Washington wins out, its fate isn’t in its hands. The Capitals could pull off an incredible finish to the season, but it may all be in vain. Perhaps they are destined to swim all the way to the shore, only to perish there.

If that happens, the Capitals may look back at this defeat in New York City. In the concrete jungle where dreams are made, Washington’s playoff dream may have just been crushed to pieces.

Carlson had been a cornerstone of the franchise for more than a decade, and the deal marked the end of an era in Washington. He was a key part of the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship and one of the organization’s most consistent leaders on and off the ice.

Speaking after practice, Wilson did not hide his emotions about the trade, delivering an honest message to the team while acknowledging the reality of the NHL business. “Today sucks. It’s brutal,” Wilson said. “I’m sure there are some guys that want to cry. That’s the reality of it. Today you can cry and tomorrow you got to wake up and be a big boy and play hockey. We have to do our job.”

Wilson reflects on long partnership with Carlson

Wilson and Carlson shared the ice for most of the winger’s NHL career. Wilson was selected by Washington in the 2012 draft and debuted during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, meaning nearly every game he has played at the NHL level included Carlson as a teammate.

Because of that history, Wilson admitted the change feels unfamiliar for many players inside the Capitals locker room. “It’s all I’ve ever known… There’s certain guys in the locker room that are just a north star a little bit,” Wilson said. “I never foresaw like a Capitals game without John Carlson in it.”

Capitals still focused on playoff push

Despite the emotional impact of the move, Washington’s season continues. The team remains in the playoff race in a tightly contested Eastern Conference, sitting just a few points outside a postseason position.

While the trade signals a significant shift for the organization, the Capitals will now rely on their remaining core to keep the team competitive down the stretch as they attempt to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Ovechkin and the Capitals are currently four points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the organization is seemingly waving the white flag on the season.

Watching Nic Dowd be traded to the Vegas Golden Knights sent a disheartening message to the players, but giving up Carlson to the Ducks was a massive blow that neither Ovechkin nor anyone else saw coming. Thanks to the trade, the Ducks added a Stanley Cup-winning defenseman while most of the league was asleep, including Carlson, who woke up to the news.

After hearing the news, Ovechkin dropped a blunt admission putting the front office on notice. “Alex Ovechkin said this is the saddest day of his career personally after John Carlson was traded,” as reported by NHL.com‘s Tom Gulitti. “Keep fighting. We’re still in this,” Ovechkin said to his teammates, via The Hockey News’ Sammi Silber.

Capitals on high alert

Ovechkin’s statement shouldn’t be overlooked by the organization. With much speculation around his future in the NHL, nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to “The Great 8”. Ovechkin has yet to sign a contract extension in Washington, as his five-year, $47.5 million deal (signed in 2021) is set to expire after the 2025-26 campaign.

If the Capitals miss the playoffs after separating Ovi from one of his longest-tenured teammates, the prospect of the leading scorer in NHL history leaving could become very real. Whether he would join another organization in the league or return to Russia remains to be seen, though he has admitted to plans for a return to Dynamo Moscow.

Carlson arrives with an impressive résumé that includes a Stanley Cup championship and more than a decade of experience in the league. The 36-year-old defenseman has continued to produce this season, recording 46 points while playing a major role on Washington’s blue line.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed confidence in the impact Carlson can bring to the team during the final stretch of the season. “John Carlson brings leadership, character, a high hockey IQ and a presence to our lineup,” Verbeek said. according to NHL.com. “We are very excited to add a Stanley Cup winner to complement our group and make a big push down the stretch.”

Trade details and contract situation

In the trade, Anaheim sent a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Washington. If the Ducks fail to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will keep the 2026 pick and instead send their first-round selection in the 2027 draft.

Carlson is currently in the final season of the eight-year, $64 million contract he signed with the Capitals in 2018. If a new deal is not reached before the offseason, the veteran defenseman could become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Carlson’s legacy in Washington

Selected by Washington in the first round of the 2008 NHL Draft, Carlson became one of the most accomplished defensemen in franchise history. He holds team records among defensemen in goals, assists, points, power-play points and games played.

He also played a key role in the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship, posting 20 points during that playoff run. Now, the Ducks hope his experience and leadership can help guide the team as it attempts to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2017–18 season.

Some extended skids weren’t always the result of a single flaw. Injuries, thin rosters, expansion growing pains and organizational missteps often converged, creating moments where losses became part of the routine.

The league’s longest losing streaks now live as cautionary tales, remembered not just for their length but for what followed. Within those numbers lie turning points, rebuilds, and chapters that helped define NHL history.

Which teams have the longest losing streaks in NHL history?

The record books point to two franchises tied at the top for futility. Both the 1974–75 Washington Capitals and the 1992–93 San Jose Sharks endured 17 straight losses, marking the longest losing streaks in NHL regular-season history.

Those stretches came during formative years for each club, when roster instability and performance struggles compounded night after night. For the Capitals, the skid unfolded as a brutal winter stretch that defined an otherwise difficult inaugural era.

In San Jose, expansion-era growing pains were on full display, with a young Sharks roster unable to find consistency despite flashes of effort. These lengthy droughts now stand as stark reminders of the challenges new or rebuilding teams face in a league where parity can be unforgiving.

More recently, the Buffalo Sabres experienced a 14-game run without a win in the 2014–15 season. Even as game designs, skill levels and structures have changed, the persistence of prolonged losing streaks shows how difficult it can be to halt a downward spiral once it starts.

Brandon Duhaime added a goal and an assist, Dylan Strome also scored, and Matt Roy contributed three assists. Charlie Lindgren stopped 23 shots for the Capitals, while Yaroslav Askarov allowed four goals on 12 shots before being replaced by Alex Nedeljkovic.

“He did a great job of helping us build that lead,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said of Ovechkin, according to NHL.com. “He’s finding himself in and around the net. There’s another example of how good his hands are in tight.”

Ovechkin’s milestones

Ovechkin’s two goals brought his career total to 911, passing Ray Bourque for the sixth-most games with one franchise. He also extended his points streak to six games, tallying four goals and five assists during that stretch.

Rookie Ryan Leonard scored twice and added two assists, becoming the first Capitals rookie with a four-point game since Nicklas Backstrom in March 2008. Leonard’s second goal early in the third period capped a dominating performance from Washington.

Capital’s performance

Washington jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period with goals from Ovechkin, Sonny Milano, and Leonard, then added a short-handed strike from Duhaime. Ovechkin’s power-play goal in the second, along with Strome’s deflection, made it 6-0. Leonard scored again in the third, and Dmitry Orlov’s slap shot off Pavol Regenda’s skate finalized the 7-1 win.

Despite late scratches to John Carlson (upper-body) and Justin Sourdif (lower-body), Carbery expects both players to return soon. The Capitals now look to maintain momentum with Ovechkin and Leonard leading the charge.