Sidney Crosby scored twice on the power play, Evgeni Malkin had a goal and three assists, and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the rival Washington Capitals 4-0 on Friday night for their first win of the season.
Crosby’s first goal came as he was falling in front of the net, and his second was a one-timer off a pass from Malkin, who opened the scoring with a shot past Charlie Lindgren. Offseason acquisition Erik Karlsson made the play to keep the puck in at the blue line to set up Malkin’s goal.
In the second period, Tristan Jarry stopped Alex Ovechkin on a breakaway, making 19 saves for the shutout. Malkin also assisted on Reilly Smith’s goal in the third period, giving him a four-point night.
The performance of Crosby, Malkin, Karlsson, and Jarry helped the Penguins bounce back from a season-opening loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Capitals’ new head coach Spencer Carbery made his debut, but his team was unable to score. Lindgren, starting in goal for the Capitals, made 31 saves but allowed four goals.
This was the first time the Capitals have been shut out in their 49 season openers.
In other news, Lars Eller, a former Capitals center, received a video tribute and a standing ovation in his first game back as a visitor since being traded to the Colorado Avalanche and signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins in July.
Up next, the Penguins will host the Calgary Flames on Saturday night, while the Capitals will host the Flames on Monday night.
