Penguins 6 - Capitals 3: Crosby > Ovechkin, again!

The rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin really seems to bring out the best in Sid.

Or perhaps it's just the crappy Washington defense?

Sidney Crosby maintained the lead in his head-to-head rookie battle with Washington's Alexander Ovechkin. The Penguins have won all three meetings and Crosby has outscored Ovechkin, 8-3. Ovechkin leads Crosby in the overall rookie scoring race, 69-65.

Crosby tallied a power-play goal with 1:35 left in the first period. John LeClair’s shot deflected off the near post. Crosby, who was situated near the post, slammed in the loose puck for a 1-0 lead. Recchi earned the other assist.

Sidney was huge last night and at his competitive best.

The totals: 19:40 of ice time, 5 shots on goal, 1 goal, 1 assist, and 17 for 25 on faceoffs!!!

Let's also give props to Marc Recchi. The Recchin ball had 4 points on the night and provided some of that on-ice leadership the Penguins signed him to provide.

Sidney can now go home and relax for the long Olympic break. It's too bad he won't be in Turin, though, and he'll have to wait until March 1st for the Penguins next game (versus Ottawa).