The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Washington Capitals 5-3 last night at PPG Paints Arena. Sidney Crosby scored twice, both on power plays in the Penguins victory. Bryan Rust scored the game-winner on an assist by Evgeni Malkin. Both Crosby goals came in the first period.
The Penguins had built another 3-0 lead before the Capitals tied the game late in the second period. Rust scored the game-winner on a power play mid-way through the third period, and the Penguins added an empty-net goal in the final three minutes, scored by Connor Dewar.
Penguins rookie Ben Kindel was elevated to the Sidney Crosby line for the game. He had assists on two power-play goals. Arturs Silovs stopped 28 of 31 shots.
Crosby now leads the NHL with 11 goals. Malkin is tied with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead with 17 assists.
The Penguins visit the New Jersey Devils Saturday. Face-off is 12:30pm. Pre-game on WISR begins at noon. Both teams remain tied for first place in the Metropolitan Division with 20 points. Carolina is two points behind. The Devils defeated Montreal 4-3 in overtime last night. Carolina defeated Minnesota 4-3 last night.
Saturday’s game will be the first of back-to-back afternoon games this weekend for the Penguins. They host the Los Angeles Kings Sunday at 2pm. Hear that game on WISR beginning at 1:30pm.