Alex Ovechkin vs. Maxime Talbot: The New Rivalry in Town

Penguins fans, forget about the Flyers.  It’s time to focus on our quickly developing rivalry with the Capitals. 

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, the Winter Classic will be held on Heinz Field in Pittsburgh against the Capitals.  Let the roaring Crosby v. Ovie debate begin. 

Wait...what’s that?  A new rivalry has developed?

Yes folks, while the better player rivalry between the sport's two superstars is still alive, a new player has stepped onto the ice.

On Tuesday, after the official Winter Classic announcement was made in Pittsburgh, Pens player Maxime Talbot was interviewed by a radio station and called Alex Ovechkin a “douche.”  He went as far as to say he was happy the Russian player wasn’t at the media conference.

Talbot recalled his first meeting with the superstar hockey player.  "Malkin knew Ovechkin and introduced me to him and the first impression wasn't great," said Talbot. "I'm not really gonna say what happened, but I'm like, 'OK, this guy is a real douche.'"

Ovechkin has not been reached for comment but you can bet his revenge will come on the ice when the teams meet up outside on the ice in January. 

Will the rest of the players on the teams follow suit and turn this two-person battle into a full out team rivalry? 

While the NHL no doubt officially frowned on Talbot for his comment, you know it must secretly be jumping with excitement over the controversy it has become. 

The Ovechkin v. Crosby battle has been beaten to death since both players first stepped into the professional hockey ranks, but the Talbot v. Ovechkin battle is one that leaves many opportunities.

In one corner, you have one of the best NHL players of our generation that has never won a Stanley Cup.  In the other, you have the Stanley Cup hero who may be a cut under the best players in the league. 

Let the fun begin.