The Sidney Crosby versus Alex Ovechkin rivalry isn't as heated as it once was, but the generational superstars still relish the opportunity to square off 20 years into their respective careers.
"It's special," Crosby told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "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."
Friday's contest between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will be the 70th regular-season clash between Crosby and Ovechkin.
Neither player is showing any signs of showing down despite nearing 40. Crosby's notched 15 points in 15 games this season and is two tallies away from 600 for his career. In October, he became the 10th player in NHL history to eclipse 1,600 points.
Ovechkin has eight goals and eights assists in 12 games. He's 34 tucks away from passing Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.
"It's pretty amazing how much time flies," Ovechkin said. "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."
Both Crosby and Ovechkin were included in the recent edition of the NHL's three stars of the week.
"When they had the stars of the week, I was like, 'What year is it?'" Capitals winger Tom Wilson joked. "They're still at the top of the league. I don't think there's been anything quite like it before - the two of them, the rivalry, the divisional opponent - and I don't think there will be again."
Crosby has notched 90 points head to head with Ovechkin in the regular season, while the Capitals sniper has accumulated 67.
The 5-8-2 Penguins will be desperate for a victory Friday night, while the 9-3-0 Capitals will look to continue a red-hot start to the campaign.
