The long-awaited 70th matchup between NHL legends Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin takes place this Friday, adding another chapter to their rivalry
The rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin may not be as intense as it used to be, but these generational superstars still enjoy the chance to compete against each other two decades into their careers.
“It’s special, It’s something that when you come into the league, you hope it can be something that lasts a long time. To be in the same division and for him to be doing what he’s doing right now, chasing down the all-time record, it’s incredible.” : Crosby told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti.
The matchup on Friday between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will mark the 70th regular-season meeting between Crosby and Ovechkin.
Both players exhibit no indications of slowing down, even as they approach 40. Crosby has registered 15 points in 15 games this season and needs two more to reach 600 in his career. In October, he became the 10th player in NHL history to surpass 1,600 points.
Ovechkin has registered eight goals and eight assists over 12 games. He needs 34 more tucks to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s record.
Crosby has recorded 90 points against Ovechkin in the regular season, whereas the Capitals sharpshooter has gathered 67.
“It’s pretty amazing how much time flies, I think it’s just cool stuff when my first couple years there was a rivalry like Ovechkin-Crosby and everybody was pumped about it – the fans, you guys (the media). It would give you more motivation, more energy when you step on the ice.” : Ovechkin said.
The 39-year-old captain of the Capitals has amassed 14 points in 11 games this season, and his total of 860 career goals is only 34 away from Wayne Gretzky’s record. Necas was tied for the league lead with nine points (three goals, six assists) across three games.
Crosby contributed to seven of the Penguins’ eight goals, netting four times and providing three assists in three games. The Penguins captain, aged 37, is leading his team with 14 points (five goals and nine assists) over 13 games this season.
Crosby and Ovechkin, longstanding adversaries since they both joined the league in 2005-06, are set to face each other for the 70th time in the regular season and 95th time overall when Pittsburgh travels to Washington on Friday.
The 5-8-2 Penguins will be eager for a win Friday night, while the 9-3-0 Capitals aim to maintain their impressive start to the season.
Image Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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