Ovechkin: Longtime rivalry with Crosby is ‘history’

The duo have matched up 99 times in their career, but they may only have two meetings left.

This will make 101 games against each other, the most among duelling No. 1 picks in league history. Without knowing if there will be a 102nd matchup, Ovechkin will enjoy these next two games.

“It’s history what we have, 20 years playing against each other,” Ovechkin said Friday. “We came into the league at the same time, and we’re still battling and we still have a good match.”

In 74 regular-season games between the two, Crosby holds the edge with a 43-27-4 record. It’s the same in the playoffs, as the Penguins have beaten the Capitals in three out of four series between the two stars.

Playing against one another seems to bring out the best in each other. Ovechkin has 70 points (38 goals, 32 assists) in regular-season contests and 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in the postseason, while Crosby has 97 (35 goals, 62 assists) and 30 (13 goals, 17 assists).

“I think the whole situation around Ovi and Sid was kind of a big time,” Ovechkin said, “and even more, not pressure, but even more (you) think about it and get ready for it.

“It’s still the same since the first game when we played against each other. The fans are in, and you guys (the media) are in, and we take that energy and put it on the ice.”

Despite the constant comparisons, battles and headlines surrounding Ovechkin and Crosby over the year, the two have been able to separate their hockey battles from their personal relationship.

“We became friends,” Ovechkin said. “I think we understand the battle is out there, but off the ice we can talk to each other, congratulate each other on that moment. So, it’s pretty good.”

This weekend’s games will also mean a lot to Ovechkin and the Capitals because they most likely need to win both in order to stay in the playoff chase. Washington sits five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the East’s final Wild Card spot.

“It’s Game 7 for us,” Ovechkin said.