They’ve been talked about, hyped up, analyzed, critiqued, and exhausted to all ends for the past three years, but when it comes to these two all-stars, we can all agree on one thing: that the controversy will be everlasting, just as some of the greatest rivalries in history.


On one hand, you have Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins; the earnest, all-Canadian 2005 first overall draft pick, and the youngest captain in NHL history. Considered to be a legend since the age of 12, Crosby is highly regarded as the next “Great One”. He is best known for his humbleness, work ethic, and play making abilities.
Then there’s Alexander Ovechkin; the Russian born assistant captain of the Washington Capitals, whom although fresh to North America, has demanded attention and been deemed a force to reckon with. He is continually charming the press with his rock star ways, and broken English. Overshadowed by Crosby’s mass media influence, and the long forgotten lockout, it is often overlooked that Ovechkin was also the first overall pick; in the 2004 draft.

Without a doubt, Ovechkin is the more physical power forward, whereas Crosby is notably more timid. Ovechkin single-handedly turned around his franchise, while Crosby has seemingly shined alongside seasoned veterans such as Lemieux. Ovechkin dazzles with his goal-scoring, is credited with one of, if not the best goals in history, and beat out Crosby for the Rookie of the Year award in 2005.
Crosby may have picked up three awards the following season, but Ovechkin retaliated last season, winning the four highest individual honours for an NHL forward (the three Crosby won, plus one): the first player to do so in a single season.

While Crosby focused on endorsements, becoming the poster boy not only for the NHL, but for Tim Horton’s, Gatorade, and a slew of other top-notch companies, Ovechkin negotiated the largest contract in NHL history- a $124 million 13 year deal, without an agent may I add.

Crosby also has his 87 Reebok line, while Ovechkin has his seemingly unheard of CCM street wear collection, his own blog, and well, not much else.

Ovechkin flies under the radar thanks to Crosby’s marketable image.


If you’ve ever seen interviews with either, Ovechkin is clearly the more entertaining character. His golf tournament hole-in-one antics, and Cribs edition (Youtube must-sees) display a humorous and passionate personality the league lacks with all of the carbon copy interviews most players, such as Crosby, provide. Ovechkin’s endearing, honest, and straight-forward pretence make him easy to root for.

It is indeed difficult to determine who the better player truly is; each having their own unique style. But for me, the NHL could use more personalities like Ovie’s.
We should all look forward to watching these two battle it out for years to come.