Crosby and Ovechkin Rivalry Rekindles as Penguins Host Capitals
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are set to clash once again, and it’s not just another regular-season matchup — it’s another chapter in one of the NHL’s most iconic rivalries. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, two legends who entered the league together two decades ago, will face off for the 99th time on Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena. And even after all these years, the anticipation remains electric.
Crosby, now 38, still leads his Penguins with determination and consistency. On the other side, 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin continues to defy time — and records — having just scored his 900th career goal, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone. It’s hard to imagine modern hockey without these two names intertwined, their careers running parallel since debuting as top draft picks back in 2005.
The Penguins, however, are entering this game looking to bounce back. They’ve dropped two straight, including a tough 4–3 loss to Toronto after giving up a 3–0 lead. That kind of collapse has stung the locker room, but Crosby believes it could bring the group closer together. Pittsburgh currently stands at 8–4–2, showing flashes of brilliance but still searching for steadier footing after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
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The Capitals, meanwhile, broke a four-game losing streak in impressive fashion, defeating the St. Louis Blues 6–1 on Wednesday night. Ovechkin led the charge, making more history in the process. With that win, Washington improved to 7–5–1 and currently sits tied for fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Goalie Logan Thompson delivered a stellar performance with a .958 save percentage, though he’s expected to rest Thursday, leaving Charlie Lindgren likely to start despite a rocky season so far.
For Pittsburgh, Arturs Silovs will get the nod in goal after sitting out Monday’s game. There was hope among fans that young prospect Sergei Murashov might make his NHL debut, but the Penguins are easing him in gradually after recalling him from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton when Tristan Jarry was placed on injured reserve.
There will also be a few lineup adjustments. Rookie Ben Kindel, just 18 years old, will skate on Crosby’s top line in place of Filip Hallander, who’s sidelined day-to-day. Kindel has been a bright spot early this season, coming off his first two-goal game earlier in the week.
As always, this matchup carries more than just two points in the standings — it’s about legacy. Crosby and Ovechkin have faced each other countless times in high-stakes games, and their rivalry has shaped an era of hockey that fans will never forget. Every time they share the ice, it feels like a celebration of greatness.
The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Hulu, and whether you’re cheering for black and gold or red and white, it’s a night that promises drama, history, and pure hockey magic.
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