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Crosby, Ovechkin take center stage when Penguins host Capitals

Feb 18, 2007 - 2:06 PM Washington (23-26-9) at Pittsburgh (31-17-9) 3:30 pm EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Sidney Crosby is leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to heights they have not approached in recent seasons.

Crosby again takes center stage Sunday for the Penguins, who try to win their sixth consecutive game when they host Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Unbeaten in regulation since January 10 against the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh has registered points in 15 consecutive games (13-0-2), two shy of the franchise record set in 1992-1993.

The Penguins are in the midst of their winningest season since 2000-2001 and are seven points behind the New Jersey Devils in the Atlantic Division race.

Crosby, who was second to Ovechkin in last season's Calder Trophy race, leads the league in points (90) and assists (64). He netted his 26th goal and set up another Friday in Pittsburgh's 5-4 triumph over the Devils.

Although Ovechkin has just one goal and one assist in six games, he ranks among the league leaders in goals (34) and points (72). He trails Crosby by 18 points in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.

The Capitals lost for the third time in four contests with Thursday's 3-2 shootout defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dainius Zubrus forced overtime with 15 seconds remaining and Alexander Semin scored his 30th goal.

Pittsburgh has won both meetings against Washington this season, including a 2-0 victory February 3.