On Sunday, Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin played against each other, possibly for the last time. Afterward, Crosby shared some honest and heartfelt thoughts about his longtime rival. Now, fans are praising his words.
There have been few player rivalries that could be compared to the one between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. Entering the league in 2005, they have faced each other exactly 100 times as of Sunday.
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Celebratory game
Sunday’s game would have been their 101st meeting, as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals also played each other on Saturday. However, the Penguins scratched Sidney Crosby from that game due to injury. Sunday’s game was quite celebratory, with photoshoots before the game and tributes during and after it. The Capitals won 3–0 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After the game, Sidney Crosby spoke to reporters about what it has been like battling Ovechkin over the past two decades and what he believes Ovechkin has done for the game of hockey.
Sidney Crosby praised Ovechkin
“He’s had a huge impact, on and off the ice. He came in with such high expectations, and I think he matched them—if not exceeded them. To live up to those kinds of expectations and become the greatest goal scorer of all time is pretty impressive. I’m definitely honored to have had the opportunity to play against him all these years,” Crosby told reporters, and continued speaking about the long-time rivalry.
”I appreciate it”
“It’s still there, maybe not to the extent that it was. Hopefully people have been entertained. As competitors, as athletes, it’s been pretty cool to be a part of some big games and that rivalry. A lot of people have watched and cheered for it—whether for or against. It has been something special over that time period, and something I appreciate, and hopefully everybody appreciates,” Crosby said, honoring Ovechkin, who has still not decided on his future in hockey.
You can watch the interview below.
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