Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will make their returns to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup, setting up a potential final showdown against Alex Ovechkin.
The Penguins travel to take on Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals Sunday afternoon (3 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+).
Crosby and Ovechkin have matched up 99 times in their career, and their 100th meeting could be their final one as Ovechkin said he will contemplate his NHL future in the off-season.
Crosby (lower-body) and Malkin (upper-body) were ruled out for Saturday's matchup with injuries.
"It's history what we have, 20 years playing against each other," Ovechkin said Friday of his career rivalry with Crosby. "We came into the league at the same time, and we're still battling and we still have a good match."
In 74 regular-season games between the two, Crosby holds the edge with a 43-27-4 record. It's the same in the playoffs, as the Penguins have beaten the Capitals in three out of four series between the two stars.
Playing against one another seems to bring out the best in each other. Ovechkin has 70 points (38 goals, 32 assists) in regular-season contests and 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in the post-season, while Crosby has 97 (35 goals, 62 assists) and 30 (13 goals, 17 assists).
"I think the whole situation around Ovi and Sid was kind of a big time," Ovechkin said, "and even more, not pressure, but even more (you) think about it and get ready for it.
"It's still the same since the first game when we played against each other. The fans are in, and you guys (the media) are in, and we take that energy and put it on the ice."
As for Malkin, the longtime superstar centre and Ovechkin have maintained an excellent friendship throughout their careers. Ovechkin's wife posted a video on her Instagram story on Saturday of Malkin at their house, partaking in a game of mini sticks with Ovechkin's kid.
Despite the constant comparisons, battles and headlines surrounding Ovechkin and Crosby over the year, the two have been able to separate their hockey battles from their personal relationship.
"We became friends," Ovechkin said. "I think we understand the battle is out there, but off the ice we can talk to each other, congratulate each other on that moment. So, it's pretty good."
Washington's remaining games also mean a lot to Ovechkin and the Capitals because they need to win to stay in the playoff chase. Washington sits three points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the Metropolitan Division.
"It's Game 7 for us," Ovechkin said.
