Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have built much of their careers competing on rival sides in one of the NHL’s most intense feuds, yet both Pittsburgh Penguins forwards have grown to hold Alex Ovechkin in extremely high regard. That sentiment became evident Monday once the Washington Capitals captain revealed that the 2026-27 campaign, his 22nd in the league, would be his final one.
Crosby, 39, addressed Ovechkin’s announcement following Pittsburgh’s morning skate before the Penguins dropped a 3-2 decision to Winnipeg. Malkin, 40, went as far as to break from his normal habit by speaking with reporters after the skate, with Ovechkin’s choice serving as the topic.
“I’m sure it’s something he’d be asked about a lot, so it’s nice for him to just be able to get that out there and enjoy playing and focus on hockey,” Crosby said. “For him, as long as he’s happy and enjoying it, that’s the biggest thing.”
Ovechkin’s NHL legacy
Malkin showed just as much appreciation for everything Ovechkin has achieved throughout his career. The Russian forward acknowledged that continuing to compete every night at this point is demanding, while stressing the stature Ovechkin has built across the league.
“He’s done everything,” Malkin said. “He’s a legend. The fans love him, you know? But again, he did everything for a team, a league. I hope he plays well this year, with no injury. He just needs to stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game.”
Ovechkin arrived in the NHL one year ahead of Crosby, going first overall to Washington in the 2004 NHL Draft. Pittsburgh then took Crosby with the No. 1 pick in 2005, followed right away by Malkin at No. 2.
The three forwards soon turned into defining figures of their era. Ovechkin captured the Calder Trophy in 2005-06 after posting 106 points, while Crosby placed second with 102. Malkin followed a year later by earning the award after putting up 85 points.
Crosby, Malkin, and the rivalry
The bond among the three stars formed even before they faced each other on a regular basis. Malkin recalled feeling anxious on draft night in 2004, aware that Ovechkin was certain to go first and questioning whether he would still be on the board at No. 2.
“I start (to get) a little bit shaky with my hands, but it’s a special night too,” Malkin recalled. “A lot of good memories together. We always try to support each other, try to play hard, and show (our) best.”
The Pittsburgh-Washington rivalry ultimately grew into one of the defining storylines of their careers. Ovechkin and the Capitals faced Crosby, Malkin, and the Penguins four times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the winner going on to claim the Stanley Cup each time.
Pittsburgh took those series in 2009, 2016, and 2017, while Washington came out on top in 2018. Crosby said the rivalry was practically unavoidable since the two players entered the league so young and were instantly measured against each other.
“You come into the League at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were kind of built up against each other,” Crosby said. Over time, however, the constant competition developed into friendship and deep respect.
Ovechkin’s goals and records
Ovechkin has recorded 929 goals, the most in NHL history, including 44 against the Penguins. His 1,688 points rank second among active players, behind Crosby’s 1,763 and ahead of Malkin’s 1,411.
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who played alongside Ovechkin in Washington from 2008 to 2011, also called his former teammate an iconic figure whose impact reaches well beyond his numbers.
“Everybody knows what he’s done for the game. The game would be different without him,” Varlamov said. He also pointed to Ovechkin’s personality and the respect he commands throughout the NHL and internationally.
Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin have combined to win six Hart Trophies, five Art Ross Trophies, 11 Rocket Richard Trophies, seven Ted Lindsay Awards, and four Conn Smythe Trophies.
Final Penguins-Capitals meetings
The rivalry will carry on during Ovechkin’s last NHL season, with Pittsburgh and Washington set to meet four times. Their next matchup is Wednesday at Capital One Arena, followed by meetings in Pittsburgh on Jan. 18 and March 13 and another game in Washington on April 4.
For Malkin, every meeting with Crosby and Ovechkin has held special meaning since he entered the NHL in 2006-07. He remembers thinking last season that Ovechkin’s final game might have arrived, only for the Capitals captain to return for another campaign.
“When he’ll retire, of course it’ll be a sad day for everybody,” Malkin said. “But again, he’s a legend. It’s always fun to play against Washington, against him, you know, play (as) teammates, play against him. He’s a good friend.”
Malkin wrapped up by offering Ovechkin his best wishes for the season, hoping he stays healthy, scores goals and enjoys what will be his final year in the NHL.