Sullivan Sparks Debate with Surprising Comparison Involving Crosby and Ovechkin
Photo credit: Dave Sandford/NHLI
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan made surprising comments, comparing Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are names that evoke images of greatness in the world of hockey. In 2023, Ovechkin made a statement in which he professed that he and Crosby had rescued the NHL, and boy, was he absolutely right.
Taken first overall in back-to-back years (Crosby in 2005, Ovechkin in 2004), the two superstars entered the NHL in the 2005-06 campaign. Today, nearly two decades later, they continue to perform at a top level in the 2024-25 season.
Their lasting careers are also a testament to phenomenal skill, of course, but to relentless effort and dogged consistency, which few manage to maintain in any timeframe.
Ovechkin and Crosby want to have beers together one day
A former contentious rivalry is now one of respect, and even of cordial friendships. As both looked back upon the years, each now truly respects the value of his contribution in helping mold today's NHL.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was commenting on their influence on Tuesday by drawing a strong parallel.
Before the game, addressing reporters, Sullivan likened Crosby and Ovechkin to basketball superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, adversaries later turned legends that propelled their sport to even greater heights.
"It reminds me in a lot of ways, like, Larry Bird and Magic did for the NBA. Not only were they great players, but they had a certain charisma about them in the way they carried themselves and how they're ambassadors for the game, they just advanced the game," Sullivan said.
Reporter Wes Crosby, whom one shouldn't confuse with Sid, tweeted on X that the connection runs deeper than talent. Similar to Bird and Magic, Crosby and Ovechkin played for one franchise their entire lives.
The Capitals and Penguins, similar to the Celtics and the Lakers, had established dynasties on the back of these generational talent stars, enjoying the rewards of their toil, leadership, and brilliance.
They are not just stars. They are legends of the golden era of hockey that will be talked about and remembered by generations to come.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9 | 81 ANSWERS Sullivan Sparks Debate with Surprising Comparison Involving Crosby and Ovechkin Do you agree with this comparison Mike Sullivan made? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 67.9 % |
| No | 26 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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