Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, two of hockey‘s greatest stars, once shared a close friendship before their relationship turned into a heated NHL rivalry. Starting their careers together in the mid-2000s as top draft picks and teammates for Team Russia, their bond began to unravel by 2007, marking the beginning of a fierce competition on and off the ice.
Ovechkin and Malkin were drafted first and second overall in 2004, entering the NHL with high expectations. The two even roomed together during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, showcasing their initial camaraderie. However, from 2007 to 2010, the competitive spirit intensified. On-ice confrontations grew frequent, including an incident during the 2007-08 season when Ovechkin charged at Malkin near the boards. The tension extended beyond the rink when Ovechkin reportedly struck Malkin’s agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a nightclub in Moscow, further deepening their rift.
In an October 2010 interview with GQ, Ovechkin expressed his desire for a Stanley Cup over individual accolades, reflecting on his rivalry with Malkin:
“He’s got the Stanley Cup, and I don’t.”
—Alex Ovechkin, NHL Player
At that time, Ovechkin had already earned prestigious trophies such as the Hart Memorial Trophy, Calder Trophy, and Art Ross Trophy. Yet, Malkin had achieved what Ovechkin most wanted: the Stanley Cup. Ovechkin eventually won the Cup in 2018 with the Washington Capitals, though Malkin had secured the championship three times with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, and 2017) by then. Malkin reaffirmed his commitment to Pittsburgh by signing a four-year contract worth $24.4 million in July 2022.
Throughout his career, Ovechkin has remained loyal to the Capitals, consistently delivering strong performances. During the 2024–25 NHL season, he scored 44 goals, contributed 29 assists, and finished with 73 points and a plus-15 rating. He continued to make an impact in the playoffs, adding five goals and one assist over 10 games. On April 6, 2025, in New York, Ovechkin made history by scoring his 895th goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record. Following this milestone, Malkin offered his respect:
“It’s a huge day for hockey. I’m glad I’ve played with him, against him. He’s a machine. He never stops. Bad times. Good times. He finds a way to score.”
—Evgeni Malkin, NHL Player
Ovechkin Recognizes Malkin Among the NHL’s Toughest Competitors
Recently, Ovechkin acknowledged Malkin as one of the toughest fighters in NHL history during a conversation with Kamil Gadzhiev. He also mentioned other hard-nosed players like Georges Laraque and Donald Brashear. Although Malkin is more renowned for his offensive skills, his resilience and toughness have earned him respect from Ovechkin and others. Malkin’s career totals include 514 goals and 1,346 points over 1,213 games.
“Well, Gino, yes,”
—Alex Ovechkin, NHL Player
Ovechkin explained that growing up in Moscow taught him to fight through real-life situations rather than formal training. Now entering his 21st NHL season, Ovechkin remains focused on adding more records to his legacy, with one goal being to reach 1,500 NHL games, just nine games shy at present.
The intense but respectful rivalry between Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin has shaped much of their careers, driving them to historic achievements and memorable moments. Their journey from friendship to fierce competition highlights the complexities of professional sports, where personal relationships and professional ambitions often intersect. With Ovechkin breaking records and both players continuing to contribute at high levels, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for these legendary NHL figures.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Alex Ovechkin missing a tooth?
A. Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ captain, often loses a few teeth and never gets them repaired.