The Penguins have yet to make a decision on Harrison Brunicke for the rest of the season, but he appears to be a healthy scratch for this game. Ryan Graves and Connor Clifton appear to be returning to the lineup. Joona Koppanen also appears to be playing after he was called up from WBS on Thursday.

Crosby put the Penguins ahead 1-0 on a power play at 2:22 of the first period, scoring with a wrist shot from the right circle off a set up by Kindel. He then made it 2-0 with another power-play goal, his sixth this season, by tapping in a rebound under Lindgren at 11:32.

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Ben Kindel doesn’t have strong memories of how the enduring rivalry between his captain, Sidney Crosby, and Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin began. And for good reason.

Sidney Crosby scored two goals and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the visiting Washington Capitals 5-3 on Thursday night despite surrendering a three-goal second-period lead.

Penguins great Sidney Crosby achieves an amazing feat at 38 years old in Thursday night's showdown with Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs is scheduled to start Thursday’s home game against the Washington Capitals. Coach Dan Muse announced Silovs’ status following an optional morning skate in Cranberry.

Sidney Crosby scored twice, and Bryan Rust delivered the go-ahead goal midway through the third period as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged the Washington Capitals 5-3.

Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin swapped jerseys after Thursday night's rivalry matchup between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have conquered the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs during their three championship runs in the Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin/Kris Letang era. The Caps vanquished the Pens in the second round en route to their 2018 Cup victory.

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the NHL's biggest early season surprises. The club was considered a longshot to reach the playoffs when the season began.

It’s season 21 for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals captains, but their rivalry is still fierce and strong as ever.