WASHINGTON -- It had been a long time since the Penguins and Capitals met. Before Sunday afternoon, the two teams hadn't faced off since March 12, 2019.
Almost a full year ago.
It didn't take very long for the rivalry to be renewed, though. This was a chippy, fast and physical game.
"This is the kind of game we're going to see from here on in with the intensity, emotion and playoff kind of mentality," Sidney Crosby said after the game. "We've got to earn every point we can get."
The Capitals outhit the Penguins in each period: 16-10 in the first, 9-3 in the second, and 22-11 in the third.