The Washington Capitals are finally back to play a meaningful game of hockey after six long months. The team is different and there is hope again.

The Caps will begin their new season with a major test, renewing acquaintances with their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are coming off a season-opening loss to Connor Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks.

The Capitals made some roster moves earlier today, walked the red carpet, and are now ready to take the ice. Grab a tasty beverage and let’s watch the game together. Nights like these are when I feel so blessed to do this for a living.

Tonight’s game is on ESPN+. No Joe B or Locker. [cries]

Must read RMNB content

• Caps season primer: the 8 storylines you need to know
• Penguins’ Lars Eller is just hoping to pass it to the right team tonight
• Charlie Lindgren will start; Clay Stevenson will back him up
• Darcy Kuemper’s now a dad and will miss tonight’s game
• The Capitals’ mantra for this season
• What Spencer Carbery wants from his team in his coaching debut
• NHL players pushing back on the league for banning pride tape
• Ovi’s next goal will be another big one

Lines

LINEYS!!!!#CapsPens | @JackDaniels_US pic.twitter.com/cfbki1PW8B

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 13, 2023

Almost time for hockey!

📺: ESPN+, Hulu pic.twitter.com/BsPqUNHZVA

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 13, 2023

Tunnel weirdness

Goofy as ever, babes#ALLCAPS | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/YYUbNRMKzW

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 13, 2023

Butt taps

gotta give the people what they want pic.twitter.com/aknTI8XUdq

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 13, 2023

1st Period

The Capitals and Penguins traded multiple good chances in the first period, but the game remains tied 0-0.

The Pittsburgh Penguins outshot the Washington Capitals 10 to 8 in the first period, but the Capitals out-attempted them 18-15. The Penguins had four high-danger chances to the Capitals 1.

2nd Period

🚨 1-0 Penguins. Evgeni Malkin scores in front of the net after Alex Ovechkin fumbles the puck in the Capitals’ defensive zone. Malkin’s goal came at 4:07.

🚨 2-0 Penguins. Sidney Crosby makes it 2-0 with a dirty goal in front of the net on their first power play. The PPG came at 5:51. The Capitals have had no jump in the second period.

Alex Ovechkin nearly sends Erik Karlsson into the next dimension with a big hit at center ice.

🚨 3-0 Penguins. Sidney Crosby’s got another PPG, beating Charlie Lindgren from the right circle. The goal came at the 11:46 mark.

Ovi stopped on a breakaway trying to go five-hole on Jarry. That was Ovechkin’s fourth shot on goal.

The Penguins have a 23-15 shots on goal advantage after out-shooting the Caps 13-7 in the second period. The Penguins now hold a 37-32 5v5 shot attempts advantage and lead in high-danger chances 8-4.

3rd Period

🚨 4-0 Penguins. Reilly Smith beats Charlie Lindgren down the left wing. Evgeni Malkin now has a goal and three assists. Yikes.

Capitals get out-shot 35-19 in the loss. Tonight marks the first time the Capitals have ever been shut out in a Home Opener (and season opener).

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