Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby is ready to disregard a personal rivalry if that means witnessing history. During a chat with ESPN earlier this week, Crosby backed the Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin to break the NHL’s scoring record.

Crosby and Ovechkin enjoyed a prolific rivalry since they entered the league in 2005, going head to head for awards and scoring titles multiple times. But the past isn’t stopping Crosby from wishing that his contemporary will surpass Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky and his mark of 894 goals in the league.

“I hope he does. I told him today that I hope he does,” said Crosby, who has 486 NHL goals of his own. “It would be awesome. He’s in range.”

Ovechkin has played 17 seasons in the league and scored 730 NHL goals. Getting 164 more seems doable, especially since the 36-year-old legend recently signed a five-year extension with Washington that should see him play through the 2025-26 NHL season.

 But despite being in reaching range of such a big all-time record, Ovechkin is trying not to think about it.

“I don’t even think about it right now, to be honest,” Ovechkin said via ESPN. “Because it’s too far. It’s a long way. And it’s a hard way. Whatever happens, happens.”

The post Sidney Crosby “Hopes” Alex Ovechkin Will Break NHL Scoring Record appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Alex Ovechkin is out of contract with Washington Capitals this offseason, but it appears the star winger isn’t thinking about testing the free market.

Speaking with the media, Ovechkin said that he’s “confident” in getting a new deal from the Capitals and once again reiterated his intention to retire with the franchise.

“I’m confident; we still have time,” said Ovechkin. “Obviously, I want to finish my career here. I’m pretty sure we will do something soon.”

Ovechkin signed his last deal in 2008 when he inked an NHL-record 13-year, $124 million contract with the Capitals. While many believed Washington overpaid the Russian at the time, the deal actually turned out to be a bargain.

During those 13 years, Ovechkin helped the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup while establishing himself as one of the best hockey players in history. He also won three Hart Memorial Trophies, an Art Ross Trophy, and led the league in scoring nine times.

This time around, the Capitals are reportedly hesitant to make a long-term commitment. They would be most comfortable with a one-year deal but are willing to consider a four-year option due to Ovechkin’s contribution to the franchise.

Regardless of the length, the new deal will almost surely make Alex Ovechkin one of the NHL’s highest-paid players in terms of annual salary. According to reports, the 35-year-old legend was asking for $12.5 million annually in early 2020, a number which would tie him with the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid as the league’s top earner. It is unclear whether or not he adjusted his demands after the NHL introduced a flat salary cap due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The post Alex Ovechkin “Confident” He’ll Get a New Deal from the Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby is ready to disregard a personal rivalry if that means witnessing history. During a chat with ESPN earlier this week, Crosby backed the Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin to break the NHL’s scoring record.

Crosby and Ovechkin enjoyed a prolific rivalry since they entered the league in 2005, going head to head for awards and scoring titles multiple times. But the past isn’t stopping Crosby from wishing that his contemporary will surpass Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky and his mark of 894 goals in the league.

“I hope he does. I told him today that I hope he does,” said Crosby, who has 486 NHL goals of his own. “It would be awesome. He’s in range.”

Ovechkin has played 17 seasons in the league and scored 730 NHL goals. Getting 164 more seems doable, especially since the 36-year-old legend recently signed a five-year extension with Washington that should see him play through the 2025-26 NHL season.

 But despite being in reaching range of such a big all-time record, Ovechkin is trying not to think about it.

“I don’t even think about it right now, to be honest,” Ovechkin said via ESPN. “Because it’s too far. It’s a long way. And it’s a hard way. Whatever happens, happens.”

The post Sidney Crosby “Hopes” Alex Ovechkin Will Break NHL Scoring Record appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Alex Ovechkin is out of contract with Washington Capitals this offseason, but it appears the star winger isn’t thinking about testing the free market.

Speaking with the media, Ovechkin said that he’s “confident” in getting a new deal from the Capitals and once again reiterated his intention to retire with the franchise.

“I’m confident; we still have time,” said Ovechkin. “Obviously, I want to finish my career here. I’m pretty sure we will do something soon.”

Ovechkin signed his last deal in 2008 when he inked an NHL-record 13-year, $124 million contract with the Capitals. While many believed Washington overpaid the Russian at the time, the deal actually turned out to be a bargain.

During those 13 years, Ovechkin helped the Capitals win their first Stanley Cup while establishing himself as one of the best hockey players in history. He also won three Hart Memorial Trophies, an Art Ross Trophy, and led the league in scoring nine times.

This time around, the Capitals are reportedly hesitant to make a long-term commitment. They would be most comfortable with a one-year deal but are willing to consider a four-year option due to Ovechkin’s contribution to the franchise.

Regardless of the length, the new deal will almost surely make Alex Ovechkin one of the NHL’s highest-paid players in terms of annual salary. According to reports, the 35-year-old legend was asking for $12.5 million annually in early 2020, a number which would tie him with the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid as the league’s top earner. It is unclear whether or not he adjusted his demands after the NHL introduced a flat salary cap due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The post Alex Ovechkin “Confident” He’ll Get a New Deal from the Capitals appeared first on SportzBonanza.