Photo: @Capitals/X
The Washington Capitals fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins by a score of 4-0 in their season opener Friday night at Capital One Arena. It marked their first home opener in franchise history in which the Capitals have been shut out. The loss starts the Capitals’ 2023-24 record at 0-1-0 on the season. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 31 saves in the loss.
Lines & Pairs
Alex Ovechkin — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J Oshie
Connor McMichael — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson
Sonny Milano — Dylan Strome — Matthew Phillips
Beck Malenstyn — Nic Dowd — Anthony Mantha
Rasmus Sandin — John Carlson
Martin Fehervary — Trevor van Riemsdyk
Lucas Johansen — Nick Jensen
Charlie Lindgren
Clay Stevenson
Injuries: Defenseman Joel Edmundson (hand; injured reserve) and forward Max Pacioretty (Achilles; long-term injured reserve)
Transactions: The Capitals recalled Stevenson from the AHL’s Hershey Bears and loaned forward Aliaksei Protas to Hershey earlier on Friday.
First Period
The opening frame went by scoreless. During the TV timeout, the Capitals honored former center Lars Eller in his first return to the District.
Forever a part of our legacy.
Welcome back, @lellerofficial #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/0307wfjHPQ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 13, 2023
Quick Stats
SOG: 10-8 Penguins
Face-Off Win %: 56% (Penguins), 44% (Capitals)
Hits: 7-6 Penguins
Second Period
The Penguins would get on the board first with a goal from center Evgeni Malkin at the 4:07 mark.
GENO MACHINO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HzwaC4fRHY
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 14, 2023
At the 5:51 mark, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby would extend his team’s lead, 2-0, on the man advantage.
POWER PLAY GOALS ARE OUR FAVORITE 👏 pic.twitter.com/kYPOzSQAfK
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 14, 2023
Crosby would score his second of the night a little over halfway through the period on another power-play opportunity, giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead.
It’s our second game of the season and Sidney Crosby has already scored three goals. pic.twitter.com/65qMABnhN5
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 14, 2023
Quick Stats
Total SOG: 23-15 Penguins
Face-Off Win %: 54% (Penguins), 45% (Capitals)
Total Hits: 12-10 Capitals
Third Period
Right-wing Reilly Smith would give the Penguins a 4-0 lead late in the final frame.
Welcome to the Penguins, Reilly Smith 🐧 pic.twitter.com/oyeGiiOim0
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 14, 2023
That would be the final.
Quick Stats
Total SOG: 35-19 Penguins
Face-Off Win %: 55% (Penguins), 44% (Capitals)
Total Hits: 18-15 Capitals
The Capitals next host the Calgary Flames at Capital One Arena on Monday. Monumental Sports Network will have the coverage beginning at 7 PM ET.
By Della Young