This isn’t the Stanley Cup playoffs — it’s the Battle of the Network Stars.
Washington’s Alex Ovechkin versus Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby is hockey’s dream. The game’s best two superstars, young faces of franchises, each scoring a hat trick in Washington’s 4-3 victory on Monday drew even non-puck viewers.
“They apparently heard the hype and are living up to it,” Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. “That’s interesting to watch.”
Said Crosby: “I’m sure it’s entertaining for people watching.”
Watching? It was more like star gazing of another dream matchup. Rafael Nadal versus Roger Federer. Serena Williams against sister Venus. Ali-Frazier. Magic-Bird. Seabiscuit-War Admiral.
Sports thrive on individual matchups. Redskins versus Cowboys is legendary, but it’s 22 men on the field. You seldom see David versus Goliath amid the battle.
Ironically, Crosby and Ovechkin rarely see each other on the ice. The short shoving match on Feb. 22 where Ovechkin mocked Crosby was a surprise. Hockey pits the best defensive line versus top offensive lines so the pair seldom meets.
But it was hockey’s version of H-O-R-S-E on Monday. Crosby scored, Ovechkin countered. Crosby scored again, then someone else actually countered before Ovechkin scored twice — the latter earning a shower of hats onto the ice. Crosby completed his own triple to keep the final moments interesting, but was tossed only one hat from the hostile crowd.
“When you build that hype of superstars playing against each other,” Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said, “and the superstars play like superstars, it’s a neat thing.”
It was like two matadors waving to the other in the ring. “Can you top this?,” they asked with each goal. Crosby admitted always thinking he could score the next one.
Crosby is the pretty one, a Canadian cover boy who’s hockey’s counterpart to New England quarterback Tom Brady. Ovechkin É let’s just say the Russian draws fans through lots of personality. He’s funny and smart enough not to make this personal while Crosby seems to drip contempt despite denials.
They meet again Wednesday in Pittsburgh with the Caps seeking a 3-0 lead in the second-round series. Crosby secured his stardom after the Pens reached the Stanley Cup finals last year. Maybe now it’s Ovechkin’s turn to become immortal.
“It’s an interesting time, it’s an interesting game,” Ovechkin said.
American Idol is interesting. This is compelling.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected]
