Truth & Rumors > NHL
Inside Ovechkin-Malkin rivalry
Washington left winger Alex Ovechkin isn't shy about throwing his body around, but seems to take particular delight in doing it when his target is Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins. This occurs much of the time when the Penguins and Capitals share a slab of ice as they will tonight at Mellon Arena. That certainly was the case in Washington's 4-3 victory there Oct. 16, when Ovechkin devoted most of the evening to stalking Malkin and launching his body at him. "He's gotten run a couple times," Penguins center Sidney Crosby said. "I think [Ovechkin] made a few runs at [Malkin], and [Malkin] handled it the right way. [Malkin] is focused on playing. We shouldn't get caught up with that. We did a good job of not getting caught up in that last time." There are conflicting stories about why Malkin and Ovechkin have had a friendly rivalry mutate into something so ferocious -- the most popular is that it stems from a scuffle between Ovechkin and one of Malkin's Russia-based agents a few years ago -- but precedent suggests Malkin would be wise to keep his head up this evening. Although Malkin, at 6 feet 3, 195 pounds, is capable of absorbing some punishment, Crosby believes the Penguins can't hesitate to intervene if Ovechkin -- or any other opponent -- crosses the line.
Alex Ovechkin, AP
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Comments (138) Add A Comment
Nothing worng with some bad blood between rivals. Just so Ovie knows, it goes both ways.
LGP: Stanley Cup…
Six Burgh, PA
Total Comments (9095)
I'd love to see Ovechkin slam Malkin and Crosby. Is that what you mean by both ways?
Rex Racer
Total Comments (11472)
Crosbuy's quote is amusing. I have seen Malkin through more sneaky shots than Ovie has. Both are great players, but I think Malkin is a bit nastier. Just an observation
Spiny Norman
Total Comments (4005)
Rumor is Crosby goes both ways....
Buc Fettman
Total Comments (1443)
This (plus yesterdays game against the "hated" Flyers) may be just what the Pens need to get them out of their funk.
Games like these force you to play on emotion, which keeps you from thinking too much.
MATTUSA
Total Comments (7284)
Ovie has never been one to shy away from contact. Chara has laid a few solid shots on him in the past, and he jusy gets up and presses on. I think Sidney is making Malkin look a little weak here. He shouldnt even be comenting on it. If you have something to say, then say it on the ice. As long as Crosby doesnt try to go "Rocky" on Ovechkin's hairy speedbag everything should be ok.
As you said, nothing wrong with bad blood between rivals. makes the games fun to watch. You have to have a team to hate. I hate the Pens so it makes the games fun. Just not playoff games against them...
Slakdawg
Total Comments (415)
Ummm....No. I wouldn't mind seeing Ovie get smashed though.
LGP: Stanley Cup…
Six Burgh, PA
Total Comments (9095)
Either way this should be a good matchup tonight. As long as someone holds ovie down, I'm sure crosby will kick his lilly livered nut sack.
joefordnproud
Romulus, MI
Total Comments (686)
Peter Goezinya, great comment. You beat me too it. Well done.
Get To Da Choppa!
Total Comments (221)
I just hope the game is as good as the last time these guys played
Get To Da Choppa!
Total Comments (221)
If you mean offense and defense, I disagree. If you mean he likes men and boys, well............you could be right.
Rex Racer
Total Comments (11472)
Anybody watch the Bruins/Canadiens tilt last night? Does anybody know where to find a Canadiens fan site to comment on? I feel like inciting a riot!
Rex Racer
Total Comments (11472)
Too bad the game couldn't be on N.othing B.ut C.rosby. It would be great to hear the commentators gasp over Ovie putting Sid into the boards. How would NBC react?
FromTheRough
Total Comments (261)
i, for one, can't wait for the game tonight. i've been waiting for this one since they played earlier in the season. i like watching malkin and ovie play because of the aggression they display. should be a good one. hopefully the pens can get two in a row and get out of this slump.
Steel Curtain: is a…
Apollo , PA
Total Comments (938)
Amazing how people like getting what little 'nads they have all hard over hating 21 year old kids. Amusing.......
T Rocks
Mysterious, PA
Total Comments (2574)
You have a screen name honoring the biggest crybaby to coach in the NHL and you want us to take you seriously? Christ, who's your other favorite coach? Ron Wilson?
BTW, being critical does not necessarily mean we hate the kid. We would just like it if he grew a pair and shut his yap.
Rex Racer
Total Comments (11472)
I'd rather have an avatar naming a real person than a cartoon character.
T Rocks
Mysterious, PA
Total Comments (2574)
Well said TR. As much as the haters/masochists here want to see Semin play the bongos on Crosby's gonads, tonights game should feature plenty of hitting, speed, scoring (hopefully) and passion - all the things that real hockey fans love. Brashear should introduce himself to Godard (if they haven't already met). But there's no doubt these are two of the most exciting teams to watch (when they're playing well, at least).
rhmf93
Total Comments (239)
Amazing how guys want to talk about other guys nads.
FromTheRough
Total Comments (261)
I don't think many will dispute that Sid is one of the best players to come along in a long time. Malkin is a solid player and this match up will be great to see. I think many people are just tired of hearing how Sid is going to save the NHL and how NBC falls to their knees for him.
FromTheRough
Total Comments (261)
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