Both are first-ballot, elite-tier Hall of Famers when they stop playing. Thursday's game between Ovi's Washington Capitals and Sid's Pittsburgh Penguins will be their 74th regular-season matchup and 99th overall -- and could be one of the hockey world's last chances to catch them against one another.

The Penguins rank near the top of the league in pace and near the bottom in limiting shots, creating a good environment for Jakob Chychrun to fire away. Erik Karlsson has eight points over his past seven games. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Penguins.

Alex Ovechkin reached 900 NHL goals, celebrated by Penguins fans and players in Pittsburgh. Notable rivals congratulated Ovechkin, including Erik Karlsson, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Ovechkin and Crosby continue their legendary rivalry, each scoring during their 99th matchup.

The Washington Capitals face the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thursday.

Bryan Rust saved the game. The other star players saved the storyline. As of Wednesday afternoon, Thursday night’s Pittsburgh Penguins versus Capitals matchup had all the makings of a showdown jam-packed with celebration and sentiment.

Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin swapped jerseys after Thursday night's rivalry matchup between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

It’s season 21 for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals captains, but their rivalry is still fierce and strong as ever.

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the NHL's biggest early season surprises. The club was considered a longshot to reach the playoffs when the season began.

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs is scheduled to start Thursday’s home game against the Washington Capitals. Coach Dan Muse announced Silovs’ status following an optional morning skate in Cranberry.