The show subsequently posted his answer on social media, highlighting the deep respect that has developed between the two legends over nearly two decades of intense rivalry.
"What we did to the NHL, it's a tremendous thing. Me and him, what we do all those years, it's great for us. People gonna talk about Crosby/Ovechkin, Pittsburgh and Washington, for maybe 20 or 50 more years."
Now in their late 30s, 39 for Ovechkin, 37 for Crosby, both remain playing at an elite rate. Ovechkin has a 71-point (43 goals, 28 assists) mark through 63 games, while Crosby has a 89-point (32 goals, 57 assists) mark through 79 games.
They're both tied for 16th in the league with a 1.127 points per game average.
The tandem of budding Hall of Famers will complete the regular season on Thursday night with the Penguins facing the Capitals. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET inside PPG Paints Arena.