Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry alive and well at World Cup of Hockey

Canada vs Russia | World Cup of Hockey 2016 | Full HIghlights | Crosby vs Ovechkin | 09.14.16 (HD)

So what we had Wednesday night on supposedly neutral ice in the CONSOL Energy Center was an intense game plenty of hits, nice plays, and tight checking before a crowd of a little more than 12,000 that leaned toward Canada, but cared mostly what Crosby or Malkin did. Both were cheered lustily.

Its been weird today, feeling like youre on the road, said Crosby, sitting in his usual stall after the game. To get a reception like that, to play for Team Canada here in Pittsburgh, its special. I know it was an exhibition game, with Geno (Malkin) on the other side, Canada-Russia, thats a big rivalry.

To have the support here meant a lot. Now we have to get ready for the tournament.

It was in the final tune-up for both teams before the tournament gets underway finally in Toronto on Saturday night. Ryan Getzlaf converted his breakaway at 3:20 of overtime to improve Canadas record to 2-1-0 in exhibition play. Russia goes into the World Cup with a 1-0-2 record.

Thats a great game to end the exhibition games on, said winning goalie Carey Price, who faced 26 shots. Overall, we played very well. It wasnt mistake-free, but I thought we ironed out a few things.

Canada took seven minors, including two for too many men. Canada also surrendered a 1-0 lead in the third, but rallied to force the overtime.

Crosby was spectacular, saucering passes and making plays. He set up Canadas first-period goal by Patrice Bergeron with a nifty backhander.

Ovechkin did what he could do, as well, making singular plays and scoring Russias tying goal at 3:40 of the third period on his patented one-timer from the boards. That got a lot of boos. Malkin got the assist, announced to cheers.

Crosby the top pick in the 2005 draft and Ovechkin the top pick in 2004 came into the league at the same time, to start the 2005-06 season. Both deemed franchise players, they were saddled with the mantle of saviours of the league that had shot itself in the foot by locking out its players the entire 2004-05 season.

Neither disappointed on an individual basis. Crosbys teams, however, have been far more successful.

For those counting the hardware, Crosby has won the Stanley Cup twice, Olympic gold twice, the world championship once, and the world juniors once.

Ovechkin has three world championship golds, and one world junior gold.

Theyre both elite players, Canada head coach Mike Babcock said.

This could be their swan song, internationally speaking. Theres no guarantee the NHL will send its players to South Korea in 2018. And by the time 2022 comes around (Beijing), both will be in their mid-30s.

Ovechkin is representing Russia for the 20th time. Crosby is representing Canada for the seventh.

I dont know if much has changed, said Crosby. Theres always that rivalry between two teams. Its always talked about. Its out of our hands. Were competitors. We both want to win. We both want to be our best and focus on the game.

Im not worried about it. When theres a big game, or a big stage, both of us want to be at our best, just like anyone else would. We just want to win. Thats really what you play for.

Caught in the middle of all of this is Malkin, Crosbys teammate with the Penguins, and Ovechkins teammate on Russia. Malkin wont compare one to another.

I dont like to talk about that, said Malkin. I know Alex. Hes a good guy. He really wants to win a Stanley Cup. Its tough talking about Stanley Cups. I hope Ovechkin wins (one) too eventually. But when we play against Washington, we want to win every game.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNGktb7mO8zzN2AwWeS7MB8O7Ucs4g&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52779210667086&ei=51DaV6jIKdC23gGK87TQBQ&url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2016/09/14/crosby-ovechkin-rivalry-alive-and-well-at-world-cup-of-hockey.html