Crosby scores twice, Penguins spoil Carbery’s debut as Capitals coach

Jarry made an incredible pad save on a breakaway by Alex Ovechkin, leaving only 4 minutes and 7 seconds on the clock in the period.

Ovechkin managed to fire four shots on goal during his 18 minutes and 42 seconds on the ice.

Reflecting on their performance, Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington team, admitted, “We had a strong first period. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert our chances in the second period. They capitalized, and that ultimately determined the outcome of the game.”

Smith, who joined the Penguins after a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, showcased his skills by netting his first goal for the team. It came in the third period at the 16-minute and 57-second mark, as he fired a shot from the left circle, courtesy of a pass from Malkin. This goal sealed the 4-0 victory.

Sullivan, the Penguin’s coach, was full of praise for Malkin’s performance, stating, “Geno was absolutely exceptional tonight. When he’s in top form, it’s as if the puck is magnetically drawn to his stick. That incredible pass he made to assist Reilly’s goal at the end was simply mind-blowing. It all started with his diligent tracking of the puck from behind.”

Sullivan continued to commend Malkin’s efforts, saying, “Not only was he making a difference offensively, but he was putting in the work defensively as well. He was relentless on the ice. I truly believe that when he’s playing at this level, there’s no other player as dominant as him in the entire League.”

NOTES: The Penguins have an impressive record of 103-10-5 in regular-season games where both Crosby and Malkin score. Malkin has become the first Penguins player aged 37 or older to contribute three points in a single period since Steve Sullivan accomplished this feat on December 16, 2011. Lars Eller, who played seven seasons with Washington and scored the game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2018, received a heartfelt video tribute in his first game back since being traded to the Colorado Avalanche on March 1. Eller recently signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh team on July 1. Jarry has surpassed Matt Murray to secure the third spot on the Penguins’ all-time wins list with 118 victories. In his two starts, he has made an impressive 51 saves out of 54 shots faced. The Capitals experienced their first shutout in a season opener in their 49-year history. Goalie Clay Stevenson was brought up from the American Hockey League’s Hershey team to serve as Lindgren’s backup.