The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals is as alive as ever in 2023.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have had one of the most heated and well documented rivalries for almost two decades.

As the careers of the two focal points in Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin winds down, the fire still burns strong between the Penguins and Capitals.

Crosby and Ovechkin added a layer of humanism to the feud with a couple of special moments at the 2023 All Star Game, but they become competitors again for the final meeting in 2022-23.

Over the years, Crosby and the Penguins have largely had the upper-hand over the Capitals.

In 64 career matchups between Crosby and Ovechkin, the Penguins have walked out with a 37-23-4 record.

Crosby has recorded 28 goals and 58 assists for 86 points; Ovechkin has put up 33 and 29 assists for 62 points.

Head coach Mike Sullivan hasn’t always been around this rivalry, but over the last seven seasons, he’s learned to appreciate the battle.

“One of the greatest benefits of being a coach in this league… is having a front row seat to some of the greatest players in the game,” Sullivan said. “Sid and Alex are two guys that have been ambassadors to this league for a long time.”

Both Crosby and Ovechkin are chasing down numbers that would continue to cement their respective legacies as some of the greatest hockey players of all-time.

Crosby is closing in on 1,500 points and Ovechkin is chasing down the all-time goals record.

Sullivan knows every time these two lace up against each other, it’s something special.

“To see them play against one another is a privilege for all of us,” Sullivan said. “These are two players that are special players. Alex might be one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, and I think Sid’s game is unique.”

Since 2005, Penguins vs. Capitals has been appointment television, and even as the superstars age, that still holds true.

The teams might not have the same firepower they have in years past, but Crosby and Ovechkin against one another will always bring fireworks.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

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