Crosby hoping Ovechkin reaches Gretzky's goal record: 'It would be awesome'

Two of the NHL's generational talents have been tabbed as rivals since their first day in the league, but as the pair enter the latter half of their careers, Sidney Crosby is certainly rooting for Alex Ovechkin to break Wayne Gretzky's goal record.

"I hope he does. I told him today that I hope he does," Crosby said of Ovechkin's pursuit, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "It would be awesome. He's in range."

Crosby and Ovechkin are both set to enter their 17th season in the NHL this upcoming campaign. The two superstars have racked up countless trophies and accolades since their debuts and still perform among the league's best.

Ovechkin, who will turn 36 on Friday, inked a five-year, $47.5 million extension with the Washington Capitals to likely close out his NHL career with the club. After signing his deal, he stated that he wants to play five more years to take a shot at beating Gretzky's goal record. As it stands, Ovechkin needs 165 markers to surpass The Great One.

The Pittsburgh Penguins center said he believes Ovechkin's booming shot and the way he plays the game will allow him to remain productive as he gets older, adding that he can "score anywhere from inside the blue line."

Since entering the league in 2005, Crosby and Ovechkin rank first and second in points with 1,325 and 1,320, respectively. Ovechkin's 730 goals also rank first, while Crosby comes in at second with 486 tallies.

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