Jamie Nye: Ovechkin, Crosby add another chapter to rivalry

Well, we are about to see it for the fourth time and third time in the last three seasons.

Sidney vs. Alex. Crosby vs. Ovechkin.

It’s a rivalry that dates back to the duo coming into the league together after the lockout. Two players were looked at as franchise players for the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

We know the results. Ovechkin has had impressive regular season numbers with Capitals consistently outperforming the Penguins, but when it comes to the playoffs, it’s a clean sweep by Crosby and the Penguins.

Never in the three previous meetings had the Capitals been able to end Pittsburgh’s season. Instead, it’s been Alexander Ovechkin having to shake Crosby’s hand after Crosby handing Washington a playoff exit.

It’s the hurdle a Capitals team has never been able to get over. If Washington wants to get to the third round for the first time with Ovechkin on the team, they’ll have to do something they’ve never been able to do.

And I have a feeling it’s the series Ovechkin wants more than any other.

And to be honest, does anybody ever get tired of Ovechkin vs Crosby? It’s been a long, classic matchup.