History was made on Sunday afternoon as Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored goal No. 895 to become the NHL's all-time leading scorer. Ovechkin was celebrated at center ice shortly after the goal was scored. Reactions from across social media have poured in since the goal was scored. Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is the latest to chime in.

Crosby and Ovechkin are the defining stars of their generation. The future Hall of Famers each captain their current clubs. And they have won Stanley Cups for their franchises. Crosby has won three, while Ovechkin has one. Oftentimes, they clashed head to head en route to those championships.

Their longtime rivalry is one of the best the game has ever seen. However, there is clearly a mutual respect between these two. This was on display Sunday when Crosby sent a message to the Capitals captain following his historic goal.

“Ovi, it's been an honor to compete against you all these years. Over that time, you've accomplished so many milestones. But this one was probably thought to be impossible, and you found a way to do it. Congratulations on scoring the most goals in NHL history. Hope you have a great night celebrating with your friends and family,” the Penguins captain said in a clip shared by Pittsburgh's social media team.

Article Continues Below
Related Pittsburgh Penguins News
Matt Grzelcyk surrounded by Penguins, Bruins, Hurricanes, Panthers, Golden Knights, and Islanders logos
3 best Matt Grzelcyk destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyChristopher Hennessy ·
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (middle) talks with Pittsburgh Penguins centers Evgeni Malkin (71) and Sidney Crosby (87) during a time-out against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period at PPG Paints Arena.Carolina won 4-3.
Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby breaks silence on Mike Sullivan firing with Rick Tocchet takeNate Duffett ·
Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden.
Penguins’ Sidney Crosby gets awesome Team Canada captain honor for World ChampionshipNate Duffett ·
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts after being named a star of the game against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena.
Penguins’ Sidney Crosby weighs in on Avalanche-Stars series ahead of Game 7Owen Crisafulli ·
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan address the media after the game against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena
NHL rumors: Rangers in way of Bruins hiring Mike Sullivan as next head coachChristopher Hennessy ·
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (middle) gestures as he talks to Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) against theDallas Stars during the second period at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 3-1.
Sidney Crosby’s immediate reaction to Mike Sullivan Penguins departureRyan Bologna ·

Ovechkin made history but could not come away with a win. In fact, his record-breaking goal stood as the only Capitals goal of the game. The New York Islanders had a 2-0 lead at the time of the marker. Following the in-game ceremony, the Islanders scored another two goals and skated away with a 4-1 win.

The Capitals fell to a record of 49-19-9 with this loss. However, they clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs already. Unfortunately, Crosby and the Penguins have not. The Penguins are eliminated from playoff contention. At this time, the Penguins sit in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Penguins and Capitals won't meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the legacies their captains have left behind continue to define them. When Crosby and Ovechkin eventually retire, the Penguins and Capitals certainly won't be the same again.