Malkin vs. Ovechkin - Part 2 - The '08-09 volumes

Wednesday's game of the night.

I don't know what Evgeni Malkin did to make his countryman and former Olympic roommate Alexander Ovechkin hate him so much, but it sure makes for terrific hockey when the two get together.

Last night's game didn't exactly live up to the hype, but it sure didn't disappoint either.

Screw regional division alignment. There's no excuse for Pittsburgh and Washington to not meet at least six times a year. It's a rivalry with a rich history and now some of the league's premier talents.



Malkin in particular played like a man possessed. He scored early and never again but did manage 12 shots on goal and had another 8 attempts either blocked or shanked.

Ovechkin always turns it up 'to eleven' against Malkin and Crosby. Two goals, an assist, 10 shots and 3 hits in the game for the reigning Pearson, Hart, Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophy winner.

The two-goal night also moved Ovechkin into a tie with Flyers' center Jeff Carter for the league-lead in goals. Both have 29.

Ovechkin's Caps now lead the season series with Pittsburgh 2-0. Both wins have come at the Igloo, the other being a 3-2 victory back on October 16th. Malkin had a goal and two assists that night while Ovechkin was absent from the scoresheet. So while Malkin has a slight lead in the personal battle, Alexander is basking in sweet victory.

NBC is set to air the two remaining Caps-Pens regular season battles; Sunday February 22nd and Sunday March 8th, both at Verizon Center in our Nation's capital.