Legends on Ice: Crosby and Ovechkin Light Up Penguins’ 5–2 Victory Over Capitals
The final buzzer of the 2024–25 NHL regular season rang out with two icons still doing what they do best.
In a game without playoff implications but rich in legacy, the Pittsburgh Penguins outplayed the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals 5–2 on Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena. And though the result will soon fade from the standings, the on-ice brilliance of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will be remembered long after the ice has melted.
Crosby and Ovechkin—rivals, legends, and now part of hockey folklore—put on a classic display in their 73rd regular-season meeting, each reminding fans just why they’ve defined a generation.
Icons Shine Bright
Alex Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record earlier this month, notched his 897th career goal in the second period, further padding a milestone that was once considered unbreakable. The tally also marked his 44th of the season, a testament to the Russian sniper’s ageless form.
Sidney Crosby, not to be outdone, responded with a goal and an assist to bring his season total to 91 points. It was the ninth time in his illustrious 20-year career that Crosby eclipsed the 90-point mark, a benchmark of his sustained excellence and enduring leadership.
Though the Capitals had already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference and are poised to open their playoff campaign against Montreal on Monday, it was the Penguins who carried the urgency—and perhaps, the emotion—of the night.
Bryan Rust scored twice, reaching a career-high 31 goals, including a sublime finish on a feed from Crosby that was as much art as it was assist. Rust’s ability to find chemistry with Crosby down the stretch has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season for the Penguins, who will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Rust & Reward
Rust’s brace showcased Pittsburgh’s offensive spark when things click. His second goal, a whip-around backhand delivery from Crosby, put the Penguins up 3–1 midway through the second. That sequence captured the essence of what fans have cherished in Crosby—his vision, control, and selfless flair.
Crosby’s assist was vintage Sid. With two defenders closing in, he drew them out of position before sending a no-look feed across the crease for Rust to hammer home. It was textbook hockey IQ.
Meanwhile, netminder Alex Nedeljkovic made 18 saves, staying solid when called upon in a game where the Penguins controlled the pace. Though Washington briefly threatened, Pittsburgh never looked rattled.
For Washington, there were flashes of offensive threat, but this game ultimately served as a tune-up. Dylan Strome and the top line had chances, but the cohesion shown earlier in the season seemed to fade, perhaps understandably with postseason focus looming.
Debuts and Departures
The game also featured a notable debut: Washington goaltender Clay Stevenson made his NHL bow, stopping 33 shots. Thrown into a pressure-free but high-profile environment, Stevenson handled himself admirably despite the five-goal haul. It was a tough ask, especially given Pittsburgh’s aggressive forward pressure, but the young netminder showed poise.
If this was Matt Martin’s farewell game, as many believe, he wasn’t the headline—but his legacy in New York and across the league continues to resonate.
Betting Tips Roundup
From a betting perspective, America Bet’s match preview proved impressively accurate:
- Winner prediction: Washington Capitals to win – ❌ Missed, as Pittsburgh surprised with a dominant 5–2 win.
- Score prediction: Washington 4 – 2 Pittsburgh – Close, but reversed: final score 5–2 in favour of Pittsburgh.
- Player Props: Alex Ovechkin to score – ✅ Hit, as Ovi netted his 44th of the season.
- Rickard Rakell to record a point – ❌ Missed, though other scorers carried the load.
- Both teams to score in the second period – ✅ Hit, with goals from both sides in a lively middle frame.
- First period over 1.5 goals – ✅ Hit, as both teams came out attacking.
- While the match result flipped the script, several prop bets and totals landed successfully—especially for those backing Ovechkin or betting on a high-scoring affair.
Capitals Eye the Cup, Penguins Regroup
For Washington, the loss is already in the rear-view mirror. With a Stanley Cup campaign about to begin, Head Coach Spencer Carbery will shift focus to tightening defensive structure and riding the offensive wave built around Strome, Ovechkin, and their potent power play.
For Pittsburgh, it’s back to the drawing board. The absence of Kris Letang due to heart surgery was notable, and questions will linger around how to rebuild around a still-productive Crosby. With Rust, Rakell, and Jarry providing solid core pieces, this isn’t a full rebuild—but evolution is needed.
Still, for one night, the score didn’t matter as much as the spectacle. Two giants of the game—Crosby and Ovechkin—shared the ice, each contributing to a highlight reel and a reminder of why fans fell in love with hockey in the first place.
