Penguins down Capitals, extend win streak to 10
By Drew Shetler
Even though the Washington Capitals don’t have the best record, at 12-15-1, and are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, it is always a must see match up when they come to town to take on the Penguins.
It’s Sidney Crosby vs Alexander Ovechkin. Need you say more?
Although you can say that it is bad timing for anyone to face the Penguins. They are coming in on a season high nine straight wins and have allowed five goals in the last five games.
March 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals center Matt Hendricks (26) looks for a rebound as Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a glove save during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The first period contained fast paced, up and down action with barely any stops in play. Each team had great opportunities to score but both goaltenders were up for the challenge.
It took until the second period for the Capitals to break through in the goal column. After Chris Kunitz took a tripping call, it was Ovechkin scoring his 12th of the season.
It didn’t take long for the Penguins to answer back. On a power play of their own the Penguins were able to get great chances, but it wasn’t until towards the end of the power play where Paul Martin scored slapping one pass Braden Holtby for a power play goal. His sixth of the season.
In the third period the Penguins took the lead 2-1 on a goal by Matt Niskanen. The goal was his fourth of the season. But it was the work the Penguins did before the goal that made a difference, killing off the double minor penalty to Matt Cooke.
They held the Capitals to just two shots on goal in the four minute power play. Then ten seconds after Cooke’s penalty expired, Niskanen struck to give the Pens a 2-1 lead.
Niskanen’s goal and Fleury’s outstanding goaltending was enough to push the Penguins win streak to ten games. They will look to make it 11 games when the take on the New York Islanders on Friday night.
It is being reported the Evgeni Malkin is looking to make his return for that game, but nothing has been determined.