Crosby: 'Pretty incredible' what Ovechkin's done this season

Sidney Crosby was among the countless hockey fans glued to their screens Friday night as Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

"It was pretty exciting," Crosby told The Athletic's Josh Yohe. "Just that last couple of minutes, when he kept pushing, trying to get that next one. For anyone who is a fan of the game and appreciates what he's doing, it's pretty cool to see. I thought he was going to get it last night. What he's done this year is pretty incredible. Matter of time."

Ovechkin scored two goals against the Chicago Blackhawks to bring his career total to 894. He had numerous chances at a record-breaking hat trick in the third period but will resume his chase Sunday against the New York Islanders.

The Washington Capitals captain ranks third in the NHL this season with 41 goals in only 60 games after missing time with a broken tibia. He's hit the 40-goal plateau in 14 of his 20 campaigns.

Ovechkin and Crosby debuted in the 2005-06 season. Their Hall of Fame careers have intertwined ever since, as they've rewritten record books and faced off in multiple playoff battles.

Crosby has also earned his share of history this campaign, hitting the 600-goal and 1,600-point plateaus while setting an NHL record with his 20th consecutive point-per-game season.

Ovechkin and Crosby meet once more this regular season, closing their schedules with a clash in Pittsburgh on April 17.