Penguins win thrilling game against Washington to even series

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pittsburgh Penguins evened the series against Washington at a game apiece Saturday night after beating the Capitals by a score of 2-1 during a thrilling game.

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The game included plenty of scoring opportunities for the Penguins in the form of power plays, but also staunch defense from both sides and great goal-tending by Matt Murray.

The first period included power play chances for both teams, including an early chance for the Penguins that wasn't converted. However, the Pens' penalty kill also showed up and stifled the Capitals' power play chance late in the first period.

Despite playing to a scoreless tie, the Pens dominated the period with 14 shots compared to only 5 for Washington.

Perhaps the most controversial moment of the period was a questionable hit by Washington's Brooks Orpik, who hit Olli Maatta in the head with an elbow. Analysts during the game and during intermission agreed Orpik will likely be suspended for the hit.

The second period started much like the first for the Penguins when they got an early power play chance but again couldn't convert. The Penguins had another golden chance for a goal when Bryan Rust broke free on a breakaway chance, but Rust couldn't bury the puck past Washington goalie Braden Holtby.

The Pens would get on the board first a short time later when Nick Bonino floated a beautiful pass to Carl Hagelin in front of the goal, and Hagelin beat Holtby with a quick shot.

Two more power plays came for the Pens after the halfway point of the second period, but they continued the trend of being unable to capitalize on the man advantage.

The Caps almost got on the board near the end of the second period after putting a shot past Murray, but an interference call wiped out the play and the goal was called off. The Pens went on a power play as a result but again couldn't convert.

Despite being 0-5 on power plays in the game, the Pens carried a 1-0 lead into the third period. The Pens also carried a 28-10 advantage in shots on goal into the final period.

It was early in the third period when the Capitals got their first goal on a power play by Marcus Johansson.

The teams continued to trade plenty of scoring chances until late in the period when Evgeni Malkin threw a shot on goal and it was redirected by Eric Fehr. That goal proved to be the game winner as the Pens kept the Caps off the board in the last four minutes of the game.

Game 3 of the series will take place Monday at 7 p.m. in Pittsburgh.

Cox Media Group