Both stars remain productive. Ovechkin has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 13 games this season, while Crosby has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) through 14 games for a Penguins team sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

Respective captains will go head-to-head for 99th time in NHL; Washington forward coming off scoring 900th goal

Alex Ovechkin reached 900 NHL goals, celebrated by Penguins fans and players in Pittsburgh. Notable rivals congratulated Ovechkin, including Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Ovechkin and Crosby continue their legendary rivalry, each scoring during their 99th matchup.

Sidney Crosby scored twice and Bryan Rust delivered the go-ahead goal midway through the third period as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals 5-3 on Thursday night.

Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin swapped jerseys after Thursday night's rivalry matchup between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Like Magic and Bird, or Nicklaus and Palmer, or even Jim and Dwight on "The Office," the once bitter Sidney Crosby-Alex Ovechkin rivalry softened over time.

Crosby and Ovechkin's battles have captivated the masses ever since the two entered the league together in 2005. They're adversaries in many ways; Crosby is the better all-around player, while Ovechkin is the greatest goal-scorer in the sport's history. Crosby has more championship rings; Ovechkin leads in Hart Trophies.

Alex Ovechkin’s record 900th goal for the Washington Capitals has reignited the debate over the greatest NHL No. 1 overall draft picks since 2000. With Sidney Crosby’s leadership for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor McDavid’s electric play for the Edmonton Oilers,