“It's tough": Sidney Crosby reacts to Alex Ovechkin's retirement announcement following the 2026-27 NHL season
Sidney Crosby has reacted to the Alex Ovechkin retirement announcement after the Washington Capitals captain announced that this season would be his final campaign with the NHL. Ovechkin announced the decision on Monday that the player and his family had decided during the summer that he would retire after this season, bringing an end to his legendary 22-year career after becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer.
Meanwhile, Crosby was asked about Ovechkin's decision, the Penguins captain has said that it is difficult to see his long-time rival reach the end of his career, but emphasized that Ovechkin should be happy with his decision. It is important to note that Crosby and Ovechkin’s careers have been intertwined since they entered the NHL in 2005. They faced each other in league play, as well as international play when they represented their respective nations.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain reacts to Alex Ovechkin’s retirement decision from the NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has reacted to Alex Ovechkin’s retirement decision from the NHL. The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the current campaign will be the final season of his legendary 22-year NHL career . Ovechkin announced on Monday, exactly 21 years to the day he made his NHL debut, that this season will be his last, a choice he made with his family as he pondered his future and the ever-changing league.
Speaking about Ovechkin’s decision, Crosby stated, “I’m sure it’s something [Ovechkin would] be asked about a lot, so it’s nice for him to just be able to get that out there and enjoy playing, and focus on hockey. “We’ve had some great battles over the years, and obviously when you get to our age, you have to make decisions. And for him, as long as he’s happy and enjoying it, that’s the way to go,” Crosby told SportsNet Pittsburgh.
He further reflected on his illustrious journey and his relationship with the legendary NHL player. "It’s tough. You come into the league at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were kind of built up against each other. So, it’s kind of a natural thing to happen, but I think with how competitive we are, especially coming in, trying to prove ourselves, it would’ve been difficult to be close, I think, given just some of the playoff matchups in history there,” Crosby stated further.
It is important to note that the Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry dates back to the 2005-06 season. Ovechkin entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, while Crosby was selected first overall by Pittsburgh the following year.
They established themselves as generational talents and spent much of their careers competing in the same division. Their rivalry has also produced several memorable playoff battles.
According to Heavy, Crosby and Ovechkin will play against each other at least four times this season. They have a match scheduled for October 7, 2026. Their final regular-season matchup against each other will be on April 4, when the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking Ovechkin’s final home game of the regular season.
For Crosby, this will be the closing of an emotional chapter in the rivalry. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old veteran is entering his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Capitals. He will now spend the season enjoying what could be his final run with the franchise where he has spent his entire NHL career.
Meanwhile, Crosby was asked about Ovechkin's decision, the Penguins captain has said that it is difficult to see his long-time rival reach the end of his career, but emphasized that Ovechkin should be happy with his decision. It is important to note that Crosby and Ovechkin’s careers have been intertwined since they entered the NHL in 2005. They faced each other in league play, as well as international play when they represented their respective nations.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain reacts to Alex Ovechkin’s retirement decision from the NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has reacted to Alex Ovechkin’s retirement decision from the NHL. The Washington Capitals captain announced on Monday that the current campaign will be the final season of his legendary 22-year NHL career . Ovechkin announced on Monday, exactly 21 years to the day he made his NHL debut, that this season will be his last, a choice he made with his family as he pondered his future and the ever-changing league.
Speaking about Ovechkin’s decision, Crosby stated, “I’m sure it’s something [Ovechkin would] be asked about a lot, so it’s nice for him to just be able to get that out there and enjoy playing, and focus on hockey. “We’ve had some great battles over the years, and obviously when you get to our age, you have to make decisions. And for him, as long as he’s happy and enjoying it, that’s the way to go,” Crosby told SportsNet Pittsburgh.
He further reflected on his illustrious journey and his relationship with the legendary NHL player. "It’s tough. You come into the league at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were kind of built up against each other. So, it’s kind of a natural thing to happen, but I think with how competitive we are, especially coming in, trying to prove ourselves, it would’ve been difficult to be close, I think, given just some of the playoff matchups in history there,” Crosby stated further.
It is important to note that the Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry dates back to the 2005-06 season. Ovechkin entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, while Crosby was selected first overall by Pittsburgh the following year.
They established themselves as generational talents and spent much of their careers competing in the same division. Their rivalry has also produced several memorable playoff battles.
According to Heavy, Crosby and Ovechkin will play against each other at least four times this season. They have a match scheduled for October 7, 2026. Their final regular-season matchup against each other will be on April 4, when the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking Ovechkin’s final home game of the regular season.
For Crosby, this will be the closing of an emotional chapter in the rivalry. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old veteran is entering his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Capitals. He will now spend the season enjoying what could be his final run with the franchise where he has spent his entire NHL career.
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