Both stars remain productive. Ovechkin has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 13 games this season, while Crosby has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) through 14 games for a Penguins team sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

Sidney Crosby scored twice and Bryan Rust delivered the go-ahead goal midway through the third period as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals 5-3 on Thursday night.

Respective captains will go head-to-head for 99th time in NHL; Washington forward coming off scoring 900th goal

Crosby and Ovechkin's battles have captivated the masses ever since the two entered the league together in 2005. They're adversaries in many ways; Crosby is the better all-around player, while Ovechkin is the greatest goal-scorer in the sport's history. Crosby has more championship rings; Ovechkin leads in Hart Trophies.

They showed us what it is like to be best," one player said. "They have done in (the) NHL what other Russians dream."