Alex vs Sid: A Media Match for the Ages

It has been years, perhaps decades, since the NHL's best faced off against each other in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Perhaps not since Gordie Howe and Rocket Richard went toe to toe in several Stanley Cup playoffs in the 1950s has the league's best two players faced each other in critical playoff contests.

This afternoon Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby face-off in the first game of a best seven series with the winner headed to the conference championship, and perhaps, a berth in the Stanley Cup finals.

This series will not etch in stone which of these young superstars is the best, but it will lead to bragging rights for the immediate future.

Personally, if you had asked me two years ago which of these guys was the best, without blinking an eye, the answer would have been Crosby.

Now, I am not sure the answer would be the same.

First of all, Alex has proven himself to be the best goal scorer in the league, and, one of the best promoters of the NHL game.

Secondly, Sidney is a great player, but, boy does he whine! He can dish it out, but he sure can't take it. The term "Rabbit Ears" definitely applies to Crosby. You can get under his skin not only by delivering a solid clean hit, or, by talking to him. He hates both equally.

What I like about them both is they both want to win!

Alex literally put the Caps on his back and carried them to victory over the Rangers.

I think Sidney has a better cast of characters around him, but Ovechkin's desire is huge.

Whatever the outcome, we are in for some great hockey, starting today.