By Yardbarker,Zac Wassink

Copyright yardbarker

“The Washington Capitals’ stunning success last season caught Crosby’s attention,” Yohe wrote. “He saw the way the Capitals went from rebuilding to instant contender, and I believe he’d like a similar plan in Pittsburgh. …I’ve long believed that Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are historically a lot like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in that one is always keeping track of the other. They don’t say it, but when you talk with players close to them, you get the sense that it’s the case. Crosby knows Ovechkin, his biggest rival, is enjoying his final NHL seasons on a very good team, while Crosby is not.”

“Brisson would at least like to see the team rebuild more quickly — perhaps taking some more chances in free agency to try to compete sooner,” Yohe added about the Penguins. “With his comments, Brisson seemed to be publicly pressuring [Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas]. Crosby is 38. The Penguins are in the early stages of a long-game rebuild. The clock is ticking, and Brisson is well aware.”