Some rivalries are greater than the sport itself is for those who love hockey. Not many have shouldered such a burden as the tandem of Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby. Now, the two legends are ready to add another paragraph when the Pittsburgh Penguins, which are scheduled to start the 2026-27 campaign at home, interact with the Washington Capitals.
The Penguins’ first Penn-State clash is October 7, 2026 at Capital One Arena, where Ovechkin will have his 22nd home game there. The NHL says that, if it somehow manages to resume play in time for this game, it could be the 101st regular-season/playoff battle between the two with the Rangers up next.
This is particularly interesting because it may turn out to be an Ovechkin farewell home big night. A version of the superstar’s likeness may be seen in Ottawa last season before he ended up on a one-year contract extension with Washington in July that looked uncertain for his future in the NHL.
Ovechkin kicks the season off as the top scorer in hockey history. Even in his 40’s, he was a big time threat last season, tallying 32 goals and 64 points in all 30 regular season games for Washington.
Crosby is going to be on the ice up front alongside his rival, one of the guys of his generation he has really been pounding away at all along the way. The pair has had a partnership since their induction into the NHL in 2005-06, and they have shared a wealth of great battles and blended into one of the most memorable years in hockey history.
Also at play is the momentum the Penguins inflict on themselves. Pittsburgh stabilized in 2023 for the first time in a decade to advance to the playoffs, while Washington will miss out on the playoffs this year after upgrading its roster for a second round push for the postseason.
October 7 is not just Ovechkin’s home opener, it’s Crosby’s and hockey fans’ as well. It will be another opportunity to either see two icons sharing the ice or it could be one of the last opportunities to be on the edge of the excitement of the competition that defined the modern game for over 20 years.
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