Both Crosby and Ovechkin might as well have their numbers retired today but I think Ovechkin means more to the Capitals than Crosby does to the Penguins. The Penguins had Mario Lemieux and cups. The Capitals had neither. I’m not saying Ovechkin is or isn’t better than Crosby. As soon as Ovechkin calls it a career, is his number in the rafters right away?
His number will be retired opening night, the season after he retires, of that I have no doubt. Same with Crosby. Had Pittsburgh never had Lemieux (and Jagr, etc...), Crosby's accomplishments are exceptional in their own right.
I get what you're saying about Ovechkin, and I think in a way that's true. But when I think of the Montreal Canadiens, certainly there's a case that Maurice Richard means most in their pantheon for a number of statistical if not cultural reasons. But then you hear people talk about Howie Morenz and Toe Blake who came before him in a certain way, and certainly those from the 70s those who talk about Lafleur. Time will tell.
I think Crosby is to Lemieux in a way, what Lafleur is/was to Richard, if less in excellence, only slightly, but held in the highest esteem. There's nothing really like that for Washington, so again, I think your point has weight.
And because Ovechkin and Crosby are so integrated in each other's NHL identity, that's another reason I think Crosby is going to be remembered in a way not unlike Jagr and Ovechkin. All-time greats, only slightly less in excellence according to particular interpretations, but of equal footing in terms of league history.
Been a heck of a ride watching them both push each other.
Leafs fan hoping Matthews enters the conversation in the coming years.