Ovechkin has outperformed Crosby in head-to-head playoff matchups
Sidney Crosby has come out on top where it matters most, but you can't blame Alex Ovechkin for trying.
The Washington Capitals captain has been a force in the two previous series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, outpacing Crosby in both 2009 and 2016:
| 2009 Series | Crosby | Ovechkin | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 1G | 1G | 3-2 WSH |
| Game 2 | 3G | 3G | 4-3 WSH |
| Game 3 | 2A | 1G 1A | 3-2 PIT (OT) |
| Game 4 | 1G 1A | 1A | 5-3 PIT |
| Game 5 | 0 | 2G 1A | 4-3 PIT (OT) |
| Game 6 | 1G 1A | 3A | 5-4 WSH (OT) |
| Game 7 | 2G 1A | 1G | 6-2 PIT |
| Totals | 8G-5A-13P | 8G-6A-14P | PIT wins 4-3 |
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
| 2016 Series | Crosby | Ovechkin | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 0 | 1A | 4-3 WSH (OT) |
| Game 2 | 0 | 0 | 2-1 PIT |
| Game 3 | 0 | 1G 1A | 3-2 PIT |
| Game 4 | 1A | 0 | 3-2 PIT (OT) |
| Game 5 | 1A | 1G 1A | 3-1 WSH |
| Game 6 | 0 | 2A | 4-3 PIT (OT) |
| Totals | 0G-2A-2P | 2G-5A-7P | PIT wins 4-2 |
Crosby and Ovechkin reconnected Thursday for their third playoff head-to-head series since entering the NHL as rookie sensations in 2005. The Penguins again came away with the victory in Game 1, defeating the Capitals 3-2.
No series would be complete without the two captains chipping in. Crosby opened the scoring for the Penguins, and netted his second just 52 seconds later. Ovechkin added a tally of his own late in the middle frame.
In all, the two have now squared off 14 times in the postseason, with Ovechkin coming up with 22 points to Crosby's 17. Still, Crosby has the edge in the category not shown on the scoreboard: 2-0 for Stanley Cups.
The two superstars will renew hostilities in their 15th playoff contest Saturday in Washington.
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