Evgeni Malkin Breaks 20 Year Tradition To Sound Off On Ovechkin's Retirement.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have enjoyed one of the best and most competitive rivalries over the last two decades, but despite their fierce battles on the ice there has always been a level of mutual respect between the two division rivals.

On Monday morning we were treated to perhaps one of the clearest examples that we will ever see of that mutual respect when Penguins star forward Evgeni Malkin broke a 20 year old tradition to speak about the major announcement that came down in the National Hockey League today, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin announcing his retirement.

Since his rookie year Malkin has avoided speaking to members of the media following the Penguins' morning skates, but on Monday he broke that 20 year tradition in order to address reporters and sound off on the topic of Ovechkin stepping away from the NHL.

"It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him," said Malkin as per Penguins reporter Michelle Crechiolo. "He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game."

Malkin has often been compared to Ovechkin throughout his career and it makes sense, not only do both players hail from Russia but Ovechkin was selected #1 at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and Malkin was selected #2 in that very same draft. Despite the fact that you could easily see how that could breed a level of animosity between the players, it's clear there is a deep admiration and respect shared between these two men.

Thankfully Ovechkin will be playing out the remainder of the season so we can look forward to several more matchups between these two longtime rivals. Something tells me that the next few games between the Capitals and Penguins are going to be can't-miss-hockey.