Capitals' Leonard highlights age gap with Ovechkin, Crosby

Washington claimed a 5-3 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 53m1 min read

"When they both went hat-trick and hat-trick, I don’t even know what year that was,” said Capitals winger Ryan Leonard. Via @TheAthletic on X

What happened: Washington Capitals winger Ryan Leonard noted he was just four years old when veterans Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby traded hat tricks during the 2009 playoffs. The reflection on the generational divide coincided with a 5-3 preseason victory for the Capitals over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Why it matters: The quote underscores the unprecedented longevity of Ovechkin and Crosby as they prepare for another season. Both stars remain centerpieces for their respective franchises while playing alongside a new generation of talent.

By the numbers: Washington improved to 11-4 this preseason with the victory, while Pittsburgh dropped to 10-10 overall. The Capitals also won the most recent meeting between the clubs in April 2026, securing a 6-3 result.

What to watch: Both teams will finalize their opening night rosters as the 2026-27 regular season approaches.

Sources

@TheAthletic 2026-10-08T20:32:09.968140+00:00

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