Ovechkin reflects on career with Crosby: 'We saved the league'

Alex Ovechkin wants the NHL's new generation of superstars to recognize they have a long way to go in order to match what he and Sidney Crosby have accomplished since entering the league in 2005.

"We saved the league. Now they come in, and I guess we're old news," Ovechkin said to The Athletic's Rob Rossi. "But we saved it. It's up to those guys to come in and prove me wrong that we're not the best.

"We saved the NHL."

Ovechkin and Crosby were drafted first overall in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Due to a lockout wiping out what was supposed to be Ovechkin's rookie season, the pair began their careers together in 2005-06, just as the NHL implemented a slew of rule changes that catered to increased offense.

They made an instant impact in their rookie years, each posting 100-plus points and setting the table for the most entertaining individual rivalry of their generation.

Ovechkin and Crosby have met in the playoffs on four occasions, with the winner of the series going on to win the Stanley Cup each time.

Both approaching 40, Ovechkin is 67 tallies behind Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record (894), while Crosby's career average of 1.26 points per game ranks eighth in history.

Ovechkin is under contract through 2026, while Crosby's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

The Penguins' captain is optimistic he and Ovechkin have plenty more in the tank.

"We're a long way from finished, I hope," he said.

The Capitals and Penguins have met once this season, with Pittsburgh winning 4-0. Their next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 2.