When Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin made their NHL debuts in 2005, expectations were sky-high. Each the first-overall pick in their draft years, the 2004 NHL lockout meant they were to play their rookie season the same year.
Not only did they meet expectations, they exceeded them, securing their spot among the greats.
Ovechkin narrowly beat out Crosby for the Calder Memorial Trophy, but each eclipsed 100 points in their first NHL season. They continued to match one another as the years went on, and a rivalry would grow between the Eastern Conference superstars as they took on their respective captaincies.
"Since Day 1, when we came to the league, it was (a) big moment when the Caps played against Pittsburgh," Ovechkin said in a 2021 sit-down interview with Crosby. "I think it was a fun time, right?"
"Once in a while it comes out," Crosby said, smiling.
Even now, after 18 seasons and a combined four Stanley Cups, both are enjoying a point per game season and, as it stands, their career point totals differ by only five. Crosby was named to the Order of Canada and Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky's ultimate NHL goal record. Indeed, what a time it has been for hockey.
As the sunset appears likely on the horizon for two future Hall of Famers, the once-hot rivalry has simmered into an admiration and friendship — one that will be on display at the 2023 All-Star skills competition in Sunrise, Fla.
The two greats of the Metropolitan Division are teaming up for the Breakaway Challenge, an event where the league's most skilled forwards get to show their skills against celebrity goaltender Roberto Luongo, and be rated from 1-10 by a panel on creativity.
The choice demonstrated the evolution of the relationship between the two future Hall of Famers, which the 37-year-old left winger attributes to maturity.
"We're good friends," Ovechkin said to media on Thursday. "First couple years, it was a different relationship. We were young, but now (we've) matured.
"It's great for hockey, for the previous generation and future generation, to see that kind of comparison, that kind of battle between two of us."
In speaking with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on 32 Thoughts, NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer articulated the significance of this event.
"They're ultimate rivals, but they're so connected. And they appreciate each other," Mayer said. "And I do think, based on what we have planned, it will be the moment of the night."
It will be a chance for hockey fans from the past and the present to admire the journey of two legends' careers, which, Ovechkin said, the two rivals will one day reflect upon over a cold beer or two.
Watch the NHL All-Star skills competition Friday at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW.
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