It wasn't the last Sid vs. Ovi - but it was a legendary one

We're 20 years into the Crosby vs. Ovechkin rivalry, and there is yet to be a disappointing showdown. Last night the Penguins charged their way to a 5-2 win over the Capitals, and both living legends had their shining moment in Game 82.

The "Ovi"ation

I'll be honest, I didn't have this on my bingo card. A pre-game standing ovation for your heated rival of 20 years shows that this is a rivalry so deep that over time it's blossomed into profound respect.

Props to the fans at PPG Paints Arena. This is a classy move. I'm not so sure Capitals fans would do the same for Crosby, but when you think about it, both Sid and Ovi's legacies are only furthered by the other.

Sid and Ovi could have existed in stardom without the other, but their careers are only enhanced by the other.

Every superhero needs a villain. Without a villain, the hero just sits around eating doughnuts and drinking coffee. Their power and talent exists, but it's not utilized to the greatest extent.

Crosby's 90th Point

If he was going to crack 90 points, he was going to do it in style. Just like the assist to Nathan MacKinnon for the first goal of the 4 Nations Faceoff, Sid pulled out the no-look spinorama to find Rust for his 90th point of the season.

And yes, you read that right: first player ever to record three 90-point seasons after turning 35.

Crosby is showing zero signs of slowing down. The point-per-game record is proof of that. The next question is if he'll be able to manage 100 points at the age he's at. I don't think it's out of the question.

Ovi Claps Back

Absolute ripper from beyond the left dot. I'd have it no other way.

In a historic season for both Crosby and Ovechkin, now every single goal Ovechkin scores only adds to the historic record. And, it was revealed before the game that Ovechkin has no intentions of retiring after this season, so 900 goals is all but a lock.

No standing ovation after this goal, but honestly, to be in the building for one like this is special even if you're a Penguins fan. Ovechkin has scored his fair share against the Penguins, but with this rivalry approaching drinking age, these moments are worth cherishing on both sides of the fence.

On a Knee, Guaranteed

I mean, come on. Getting an Ovechkin and Crosby goal in the same game in year 20? Ticket prices for this game were stupid expensive, but everyone in the building got their money's worth and then some with this one.

Sid's 33 goals make it four straight seasons eclipsing the 30-goal plateau. Ages 34, 35, 36, and 37. Gretzky never scored over 30 goals in a season after 33 years of age.

A main reason I see this being sustainable is Crosby's work ethic. He takes care of himself so much and works on his craft tirelessly. He's built up his body to the point where it just acts on command, and we could truly see this output for a few more years at least.

Other Noteworthy Moments

While Ville Koivunen had a goal called on the ice, it was later determined that he used his hand to swipe it in, negating what would have been his first career NHL goal.

However, this is okay. In a meaningless game where you finished with two assists anyway, I'm fine with Ville getting his first NHL goal next season when it turns on for real.

Bryan Rust got to the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career and then some with his two goals, the second of which came off the ridiculous Crosby feed from earlier.

And to round things out, Rickard Rakell notched an assist and reached the first 70 point season of his 13 year career, finishing with a symmetrical 35-35 season.

Postgame Pleasantries

In another classy move, Crosby and Malkin gifted Ovechkin a Rolex after the game to congratulate him on the goal record. Both Crosby and Malkin have close relationships with Ovechkin with Crosby growing up in the league with him and Malkin being a fellow countryman.

This is a great representation of what respect means in sport. On the ice, you can be enemies. But when the skates are unlaced and street clothes come on, you can sit there as gentlemen, giving each other their due respect.

Both Crosby and Ovechkin have expressed that at the end of their careers they'd like to sit down together and reminisce about all the good times. There have been plenty, and there are more yet to come.

While it didn't happen this year, perhaps there's another Penguin vs. Capitals playoff matchup around the corner. Should it come in Year 21 of this storied rivalry, more eyes will be on hockey than ever before.