Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin will miss their rival, Alex Ovechkin

More than two decades into their NHL careers, Pittsburgh Penguins superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are often queried about retirement.

And things were no different Monday after a morning skate in Cranberry.

But the context was different.

They were asked about their longtime foil, Alex Ovechkin.

During the Penguins’ skate, the Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin — the NHL’s all-time leader in goals with 929 — would be retiring at the conclusion of this season.

Ovechkin, 41, is in his 22nd NHL season. He entered the league in 2005-06 along with Crosby, now 39.

“I’m sure it’s something he’d be asked about a lot, so it’s nice for him to just be able to get that out there and enjoy playing and focus on hockey,” Crosby said. “Definitely have had some great battles over the years and, obviously, when you get to our age, that’s something that you have to make decisions on. For him, as long as he’s happy and enjoying it, that’s the biggest thing.”

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin, left, Penguins forward Sidney Crosby speak during a press conference in Dallas, Monday, Jan. 22, 2007. (AP)

Malkin, now in his 21st NHL campaign, echoed those sentiments regarding his fellow Russian.

“He’s done everything,” said the 40-year-old Malkin. “He’s played like, what, 22 years? Probably he understands, (the) league really good. It’s not easy, same as myself. I don’t know, maybe it’s my last year, too. But I still love this game. It’s not easy to play every night, but it’s hard because he’s a legend. The fans love him. He did everything for a team, a league.

“I hope he plays good this year, no injury. He just stays healthy, score goals and enjoy the game.”

The game was very different in 2005 when Ovechkin and Crosby entered the NHL. Coming out of a lockout that canceled the entire 2004-05 season, the NHL was desperate to boost its relevance and largely anchored efforts to increase popularity on the backs of an 18-year-old Crosby and a 20-year-old Ovechkin.

That shared stewardship was a considerable gravity on the rookies.

“Definitely felt that,” Crosby said. “You don’t really have anything to compare it to at 18 years old, but now you do. And that was a big responsibility. I think the good thing about being young is maybe you’re just learning yourself, you don’t really understand it, but I think, looking back — I can only speak for myself — I think I put a lot of pressure on myself.

“I felt like there was a lot of responsibility given the situation, being a young player, too. You always felt like you maybe had to do extra. There were some things that you probably didn’t feel like you deserved or should do because you haven’t proven a thing, you haven’t played a game and you’re doing all this promotional stuff. There was a lot of learning that went through with that.”

Malkin learned to be friends with Ovechkin again after their relationship became strained after Malkin entered the NHL in 2006-07. The two Russians would routinely spar with one another on the ice, and that hostility carried over to their off-ice lives before former NHL star forward Ilya Kovalchuk, also Russian, gathered each of them at a dinner during the 2009 All-Star Game festivities in Montreal and made them squash their hostility toward one another.

Scored by Tommy Novak with 03:27 left in the OT. Assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

From the source PIT: 6 | MTL: 5#MTLvsPIT #LetsGoPens #GoHabsGo

“It (was) a tough situation, but it’s all behind,” Malkin said. “Sometimes, we need to talk a little bit more. Sometimes, it’s a tough situation. But it’s good. Now we have families, we have good friends. And again, I always support his family, support him. I’m glad we’re still friends.”

Crosby and Ovechkin weren’t exactly fond of one another as they entered the NHL. But two decades have thawed their cold war.

Their bellicose relationship in those early years made the Penguins-Capitals rivalry — which was already established through several playoff series in the 1990s and early 2000s — the NHL’s fiercest feud.

“It’s tough,” Crosby said. “You come into the league at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were kind of built up against each other. So, it’s kind of a natural thing to happen. But I think with how competitive that we are — especially coming in — trying to prove ourselves, it would’ve been difficult to be too close, I think, given just some of the playoff matchups and history there.

“Over the years, obviously, developed a friendship with him and have a ton of respect for him. You play against someone that long and you’re compared and see each other enough, I think that’s something that built over time.”

Alexander Ovechkin, right, Evgeni Malkin, pose for a photo prior to the start of the NHL Draft, Saturday, June 26, 2004, in Raleigh, N.C. Ovechkin was the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals and Malkin was the second overall pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins. (AP)

Penguins defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk — a member of the Capitals the previous six seasons — has a warm relationship with Ovechkin and saw first-hand what he meant to that franchise and the sport overall.

“He’s done a lot for the game,” van Riemsdyk said. “Ever since his rookie year, he started off with a bang. His consistency throughout has been incredible. He was the leader of that team for a long, long time and obviously the greatest goal scorer ever.

“The game will miss him.”

The next game between these enduring rivals will take place Wednesday evening in Washington.

“When he’ll retire, of course it’ll be a sad day for everybody,” Malkin said. “He’s a legend. It’s always fun to play against Washington, against him. (And) play (as) teammates, play against him. He’s (a) good friend.

“I hope he enjoys this year.”