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.
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