This evening the Washington Capitals (51-14-5) traveled on the road to face the Pittsburgh Penguins (39-24-8). What began as a shaky start for the Penguins, turned to quick goals and physical play. The game got very heated in the second period and ultimately climaxed to T.J. Oshie landing a few punches to Sidney Crosby while on the ground.
In the same period the Capitals were able to evaporate a two goal deficit with a goal from Jason Chimera and Andre Burakovsky. However, a quick goal less than a minute later from Tom Kuhnhackl and a third period goal by Matt Cullen gave Pittsburgh their sixth straight win and the 40th one of the season, 6-2.
The Capitals player their typical style in taking the body and getting in the head of their opponents, but it was not match for a team that has become much more disciplined and use speed to their advantage.
Pass Happy Pens
The Penguins won this game simply by passing the puck. Almost every one of the five goals tonight was the result of a beautiful pass. On every goal, in fact, two Penguins were involved in the assist.
After a perfect pass from Crosby to Chris Kunitz in the third period, the Penguins forced Washington to make a goaltending change. Pittsburgh got to Braden Holtby throughout the whole game and were able to to keep him from winning his 44th win of the season.
The Penguins were able to use their anger and frustration on shooting the puck, which was most noticeably seen on Kuhnhackl’s goal in the second period that was shot from his knees and blasted past Holtby.
Fists and Fleury
These two teams are not friends by any means, but this historic rivalry bumped up to another level this evening. Between Crosby being thrown to the ground, Bryan Rust being illegally hit into the boards and Brian Dumoulin being helped off to the locker room, no love was lost tonight.
The Penguins were able to keep their composure and keep working to the ultimate goal – get a win. What was just as impressive is that for the second straight game, Pittsburgh was able to keep their opponents from reaching 20 shots on goal.
Marc-Andre Fleury has just been a gem for the Penguins. Before today’s match, Fleury was 10-2-1 in his last 13 games versus division opponents. He had also accumulated a 1.59 goals against average and a 93.9 save percentage. Fleury is now 13-2-1 in his last 16 home starts.
We’re Going Streaking!
With tonight’s win the Penguins make it their sixth straight. This win puts them in a tie for second place in the Metropolitan Division with the New York Rangers. This comes at a time where all aspects of the team have been playing lights out.
The defense has done a great job in keeping their opponents away from the net and making sure that the game does not get out of control. In tonight’s game, for example, Pittsburgh was on the edge of losing momentum when Washington tied the game.
However, after scoring four straight goals the Penguins eradicated any chances of the Capitals coming back. This was a statement win for Pittsburgh, possibly one of their best this season.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will be off and not see any action until Thursday night when they face the New Jersey Devils in Pittsburgh at 7:00 p.m.
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