Crosby Dominates in Vintage Form
PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby reminded everyone why he remains one of hockey’s greats. The 39-year-old superstar scored twice in the opening period, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5–3 victory over long-time rival Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.
Crosby’s pair of power-play goals pushed his season total to a league-leading 11. Bryan Rust netted the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, breaking a tense tie and helping Pittsburgh avoid another late collapse. Anthony Mantha added his seventh goal of the year, while Connor Dewar sealed the win with an empty-netter.
Rookie Ben Kindel earned the first two assists of his NHL career, and goaltender Arturs Silovs made 28 saves as Pittsburgh snapped a two-game losing streak.
Ovechkin Sparks Washington Comeback
Alex Ovechkin, fresh off becoming the first player to reach 900 career goals, fueled Washington’s second-period rally with two assists. The Capitals erased a 3–0 deficit with goals from Ryan Strome, Tom Wilson, and Rasmus Sandin.
Wilson’s equalizer, scored from his knees just seconds before the second intermission, silenced the crowd and set up a thrilling final frame between the two franchise icons in their 99th career meeting.
Penguins Regain Control
Under first-year head coach Dan Muse, the Penguins have been one of the early surprises of the season. Monday’s loss in Toronto — where a 3–0 lead turned into a 4–3 defeat — was still fresh in their minds. This time, however, Pittsburgh held firm.
Their power play, ranked second in the league, converted three times, including both of Crosby’s first-period goals.
When Mantha scored early in the second to extend the lead to 3–0, it seemed like another easy night for Pittsburgh. But Washington stormed back with three unanswered goals before the intermission.
The Penguins regrouped, and midway through the third, Evgeni Malkin found Rust across the slot for a perfect redirection that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good.
Rivalry Still Burns Bright
Thursday’s game marked yet another classic between Crosby and Ovechkin — two legends whose rivalry has defined an era of NHL hockey.
Crosby finished with two goals, a plus-two rating, and extended his point streak to seven games. Ovechkin recorded two assists but was held scoreless for the second straight meeting against Pittsburgh.
With the win, the Penguins improved to 8–4–1, while the Capitals fell to 6–6–0.
Up Next
- Capitals: Travel to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Saturday.
- Penguins: Head to New Jersey for a Saturday matchup against the Devils.
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