McDavid playing against Crosby and the Penguins has proven to be more challenging.
The Penguins are 6-0-1 against the Oilers in the games McDavid has played against them. McDavid has outscored Crosby 10 points (three goals, seven assists) to four points (two goals, two assists), but he and the Oilers are 1-3-3 against Crosby and the Penguins.
McDavid will try to change that this time in a clash Crosby said is always reason for excitement, especially when factoring in the presence of Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl, who leads the NHL with 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists).
"I think loving to compete and the part you enjoy about the game is the challenges every night," Crosby said. "Obviously he's one of the biggest, and Draisaitl as well. I just think it brings out the best in everybody. Obviously when you're going against Connor, it's quite the challenge and that's why you play."
McDavid said he feels the same way about Crosby, dating to his first game against him and the Penguins on Nov. 8, 2016.
"I remember being ready for that opening draw, all excited, and he snapped it right back," McDavid, the Oilers captain, told Sportsnet on Monday. "I didn't have a chance."
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said he isn't surprised that Crosby didn't show mercy on McDavid five years ago.
"One of the things that makes all these elite players what they are, is, first and foremost, they're ultra, ultra-competitive guys," Sullivan said. "And they know what they're up against every night. And when we play certain opponents and there are guys on the other team that are elite players, there's a heightened intensity that for me takes place with all of these guys that are at that level. That's why they're the very best of their sport."