NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Washington Capitals — Alex Ovechkin jokes about recruiting Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid (image credit: IMAGN)

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin jokes about recruiting long-time rival Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid

Modified Jul 19, 2024 20:46 GMT

Alex Ovechkin's performance in 2023-24 NHL season was average. Initially, many speculated whether he would break Wayne Gretzky's goal record of 894.

However, Ovechkin only scored 31 goals this season and reached 853 career goals, 41 shy of the record. Despite a rough start, his mid-season play helped the Washington Capitals make the playoffs. However, they were swept away 4-0 by the New York Rangers.

On Friday, Ovechkin made a comment about recruiting rivals Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. In a video shared by B/R Open Ice on X, he said:

"I want to see McDavid and Crosby on our team."

When a reporter said it would be surprising if Crosby joined, Ovechkin responded:

"You should call him."

This comment contrasts with Alex Ovechkin's long rivalry with Crosby. The former was drafted first overall in 2004, and Crosby in 2005.

Their rivalry has been a key story in the NHL, especially in Capitals vs. Penguins games. Despite the competition, both players respect each other and have helped boost the league’s profile after the lockout.

In a November 2023 interview with The Athletic, Ovechkin talked about their rivalry.

"We saved the NHL."

The 38-year-old also mentioned how Crosby's competitive drive made him work harder to improve.

"He gave me that kind of drive to go to the game and think, 'OK, what’s he going to do?'"

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Connor McDavid had a great season, leading the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals with 42 playoff points and 132 regular-season points, including a record 100 assists. Crosby also had a strong season with 94 points and 42 goals, but the Penguins just missed the playoffs.

Also read: Quinton Byfield clears up big misunderstanding about $100,000,000 worth Connor McDavid

Despite Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid's popularity, Sidney Crosby remains a key figure

On Thursday, ESPN's top 100 athletes of the 21st century featured only three NHL players. Sidney Crosby, ranked 22nd, stands out as the top hockey player on the list. Since his 2005 debut, Crosby has won three Stanley Cups and two Olympic golds. He is also approaching the top 10 in NHL scoring.

At 37, he's approaching milestones of 600 goals and 1,600 points, further securing his Hall of Fame credentials. Even with competition from Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid's rising popularity, Crosby stays an important figure in hockey.

Also read: Sidney Crosby's childhood friend once shared why $104.4M star intentionally wanted his teeth knocked out