Ovechkin's main rival reacted to his decision to leave the NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, commenting on the decision of Alexander Ovechkin to leave the NHL at the end of the season, wished the Russian forward of the Washington Capitals to enjoy his game. His words are quoted by Sportsnet.

Ovechkin extended his contract for one season in July and announced on October 5 that he would be his last in the league since 2005.

"It's not easy: you come into the league at 18, and before we even met, we were already pitted against each other," Crosby said of his rivalry with Ovechkin.

The Canadian noted that it was not easy to establish close relations, taking into account their confrontation, but over time, friendship formed between them, and he has great respect for Ovechkin.

“We’ve definitely had big battles over the years,” Crosby said. Of course, when you reach our age, you have to make certain decisions. And as for his... The main thing is to be happy and enjoy the game.

Ovechkin in the debut season ahead of Crosby in the fight for the prize best rookie (Calder Trophy), and because their teams play in the same division, they played each other a hundred matches (25 of them in the playoffs).

Crosby won three Stanley Cups during his career and became a member of the Triple Gold Club (won the World Championship, the Olympics and the NHL playoffs). Ovechkin once became the champion of the NHL and is the champion of the league in goals in regular championships, and also took three golds at the world championships.