Capitals and Penguins Face Off in Potential Crosby-Ovechkin Finale

The NHL rivals meet for the first of two games this weekend in Pittsburgh.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and white, conceptually representing a hockey game between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.The iconic rivalry between the Capitals and Penguins, and their legendary stars Ovechkin and Crosby, is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Today in Pittsburgh

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins will face off on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET in the first of back-to-back matchups between the two NHL rivals. This weekend's games could potentially be the final meetings between superstars Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, who have faced off against each other for nearly two decades.

Why it matters

The Capitals-Penguins rivalry is one of the most storied in the NHL, with the two teams and their star players having met numerous times in the playoffs over the years. As both Ovechkin and Crosby approach the end of their illustrious careers, this weekend's games could mark the last time the two future Hall of Famers share the ice together.

The details

Saturday's game will be the first of two meetings between the Capitals and Penguins this weekend. The teams will face off again on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Both teams are currently in playoff position, with the Capitals sitting third in the Metropolitan Division and the Penguins fourth.

  • The game will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.
  • The teams will meet again on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

A legendary Russian winger who has played his entire 20-year NHL career with the Washington Capitals, establishing himself as one of the greatest goal scorers in league history.

Sidney Crosby

A Canadian center who has spent his entire 18-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning three Stanley Cups and cementing his status as one of the best players of his generation.

Washington Capitals

An NHL team based in Washington, D.C. that has won one Stanley Cup championship in its history, in 2018.

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has won five Stanley Cup championships, most recently in 2017.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These games between the Capitals and Penguins are always must-see hockey. With Ovechkin and Crosby potentially facing off for the last time, the intensity is going to be off the charts.”

— Mike Lange, Penguins TV Play-by-Play Announcer

What’s next

The Capitals and Penguins will meet again on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET in the second game of their back-to-back series.

The takeaway

This weekend's Capitals-Penguins matchup represents the potential final chapter in the legendary rivalry between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, two of the greatest players of their era. Fans will be eager to see the two superstars face off one last time as they near the end of their illustrious NHL careers.