Bryan Rust discusses the Pittsburgh Penguins opening night loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. For the better part of two decades, the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals has been some of the most entertaining hockey in NHL history. Headlined by the Penguins and Capitals marquee superstars, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, every time these two teams meet, it’s must watch television. Even with the 2023-24 season underway, and Crosby and Ovechkin entering their 19th year, there is still a fire between the two teams. The heat may have cooled, and more respect has been built between the the two sides, everyone is ready for a new chapter in the rivalry. “Both teams understand when we play each other there’s a little bit more to the game,” Crosby said. “That’s developed over the years. Having the opportunity, all these years to go up against him… it’s brought the best of both of us.” Over the years, both the Penguins and Capitals have collected their fare share of success. The Penguins with three Stanley Cup championships and 16 straight postseason appearances; the Capitals have a Cup of their own and Ovechkin is chasing down one of the biggest milestones in the sport. “It’s obviously been one of the best matchups in the league for the last 15 years or so,” Mike Sullivan said. “Part of it is is because of the nature of both Sid and Ovi being two generational talents, but also they are two organizations that have had a lot of success.” Even with their legends on the final stages of their careers, the Penguins and Capitals are still gunning for the mountaintop. New to the rivalry this season is defenseman Erik Karlsson who is lacing up for the Penguins side of things. Karlsson may be new to the rivalary, but he knows what to expect. “I’ve watched TV for a long time,” Karlsson said. “It’s going to be fun. It’s a fun barn to play in. They’re a good team. They’ve got a skilled group over there.” The Penguins are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in their home opener and this is set to be the Capitals first game of the 2023-24 season. The Capitals will carry a ton of momentum into the game, but the Penguins will look to rebound with an important early division matchup. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Penguins Showcase Unique Deployment on Defense [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/pittsburgh-penguins-showcase-unique-deployment-defense] Penguins Have High Expectations of AHL Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-high-expectations-ahl-team] Kyle Dubas Already Showing Growth in Penguins Front Office [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/kyle-dubas-growth-pittsburgh-penguins-front-office] Penguins Want More From Alex Nylander [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-want-more-alex-nylander] Official Welcomes Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard to Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/official-welcomes-pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-connor-bedard] * undefined * undefined
