Penguins Get Revenge on Capitals

WHAT HAPPENED

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

For the most part, the Penguins were completely locked in for this one, especially through the first 40 minutes. They still felt the sting from the 6-1 loss to their rival in this very building just under a month ago, and were ready to make sure they got a better result this time around.
"I think we all had it in the back of our minds what happened last time here, so we all wanted to come here and put a good game on the ice," McGinn said.
And that was evident right from the start. Despite having last played on Monday, a long travel day on Tuesday and then two days of practice before another travel day on Thursday, the Penguins had their legs under them right away. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that since the team was invested emotionally, the physical aspects followed.
From there, they went on to produce a total team effort, building a 3-0 lead through the opening two periods of play. And I think what stood out the most is how they supported each other for all 200 feet of the ice.
The forwards did a terrific job of creating scoring chances, with three of the four lines chipping in with a goal apiece. The defensemen were fantastic at reading plays, making or breaking them with a pinch or a pokecheck or block. And of course, Jarry continued to make save after save.
"I think not one person's going to go out there and win a hockey game for you. I think it's four lines, six D and a goalie," McGinn said. "So I think just everybody has to go out there and contribute."
As expected, the Capitals pushed hard at the end, cutting Pittsburgh's lead to 3-2 at one point. But the Penguins were able to respond with an empty-netter from Carter to seal the victory.
"You got to give Washington credit, you knew they were going to push," Sullivan said. "We weathered the storm, but the first 40 minutes in particular, I thought we were real good. I thought we handled their pressure pretty well tonight. I thought we were quick to pucks in the in the offensive zone. And for me, that's when our team is at its best, when we're up in fives and we're playing an in-your-face style of play."

OTHER THOUGHTS, MUSINGS AND OBSERVATIONS

HAPPY KAPPY
The Penguins have had to embrace the next-man-up mentality all season long as they've dealt with injuries and COVID-related absences. The latest blow was losing Jake Guentzel, as the forward is week-to-week after suffering an upper-body injury on Monday in Seattle.
With both him and Bryan Rust (lower-body, week-to-week) out, that meant a big opportunity for Kapanen, who slotted in on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Evan Rodrigues. And the 24-year-old winger made the most of it. Heading into the game, Kapanen said his approach would be use his speed, try to get open and try to get his linemates the puck since they've been playing good hockey lately. That's what he did, and it paid off.
"Obviously the way I've been playing hasn't been my best, so I think it was important to get back on track," Kapanen said. "Pretty easy to do that with Sid and Rod. Throughout the game we were getting a lot of chances and doing well."
Kapanen really did fit in seamlessly with those two, as they all connected for some really nice passing sequences, including one on the goal. Crosby gave him a terrific feed to extend his point streak to seven games (3G-9A-12PTS).