Crosby versus Ovechkin? Nah, it's more like the Capitals versus the Penguins. But if we absolutely have to go with a narrative within the storyline, it's more like Crosby versus Backstrom.
In the opening game in the Eastern Conference semi-final series between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the narrative that has subjugated the matchup actually played out before the hockey world's eager eyes.
When Sidney Crosby's line went out on the ice, Alex Ovechkin's line was there to stare him down.
In total, Crosby faced off against Nicklas Backstrom 16 times at the face off dot.