Lundqvist calls Ovechkin the hardest opponent he faced
Henrik Lundqvist said Alex Ovechkin was the toughest rival of his NHL career, noting the two entered the league in 2005-06 and spent 15 seasons in the same division. Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby each scored 24 goals against Lundqvist, while Evgeni Malkin scored 20. Their five playoff series included New York's 2015 second-round comeback from a 3-1 deficit, and Ovechkin has said 2026-27 will be his final season.
Lundqvist and Ovechkin both began their NHL careers in 2005-06 and then competed within one division for 15 seasons. Ovechkin has confirmed 2026-27 as his final NHL campaign. Against Lundqvist, Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby each recorded 24 goals; Evgeni Malkin had 20.
Their playoff history covered five series, with Lundqvist’s Rangers taking three. New York erased a 3-1 deficit in the 2015 second round as Lundqvist had a .946 save percentage and 1.46 goals-against average. Lundqvist retired with 459 wins, a Vezina Trophy, and 2023 Hall of Fame induction; Ovechkin has 929 goals in 1,575 games.
This story may resonate most with hockey fans, especially Rangers and Capitals supporters, who could revisit a defining era of division rivalry. Lundqvist’s praise may also shape how younger goaltenders understand the mental challenge of facing elite scorers. As Ovechkin’s final season approaches, his absence could alter the NHL’s star power and the emotional attachment many fans feel to a longtime rival. The broader impact may be cultural and sentimental rather than structural, centered on memory, fandom, and appreciation of sustained excellence.