Malkin's surprising comments about Alex Ovechkin

Malkin and Ovechkin may be rivals on the ice, but they have some profound respect for one another when they're not battling for their respective NHL clubs.

To prove that point, the Pittsburgh Penguins star had this to say about his Washington Capitals rival:

The comments were made on the heels of Russian publication Sports-Express releasing its list of the best Russians to ever play in the NHL. Malkin topped that list, followed by Sergei Fedorov and then Alex Ovechkin.

When it comes down to raw numbers, the call is close between the two contemporary Russia power house players. Both players are Calder Trophy winners, and both have had amazing success playing in the NHL since. 

Ovechkin has 558 goals and 1035 points across 921 NHL games. That includes six 50-goal seasons and one 65 goal campaign in 2007-08. He's won the Hart Trophy three times, the Pearson Trophy three times, and the Richard Trophy six times, and the Art Ross Trophy once.

Malkin, on the other hand, has 328 goals and 832 points in 706 games, along with two Art Ross Trophy wins, a Smythe Trophy, a Pearson Trophy and one Hart Trophy. Malkin has hit the 50 goals mark once, in 2011-12. Most crucially, Malkin also has three Stanley Cup rings and that seems to be the deciding factor between the two players.

Malkin is a clutch player in the playoffs, earning that Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008-09 on the back of a 14 goals and 36 points in 24 postseason games. He has 157 points and 58 goals in the playoffs across 149 games. For comparison, Ovechkin has 46 goals and 90 points in 97 playoff games.

A bit of modesty from Malkin really highlights the realities of how hard it is to win the NHL's most coveted prize, and proves the importance of a well-constructed lineup along with a good helping of luck. Looking back on their careers, both players have been on teams that have looked like favorites to win a Stanley Cup multiple times.

From a pure numbers standpoint, it's hard to argue against Ovechkin who is obviously in a class of his own. Hockey is a team sport, however, and Malkin has been a huge part of one of the NHL's best teams during his time in the league. That's no knock against Ovie, it's how things have worked out.

You can find a rundown of the Sports-Express' best Russian hockey players list right here.