UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins remain perfect at home at 5-0 after beating the Washington Capitals for the third time this season.
Bryan Rust scored twice and had an assist in the Pens’ 6-3 downing of the Caps. Rust and Brandon Tanev tallied 32 seconds apart later in the first period to give Pittsburgh the lead. Rust later ended the Penguins’ 0-for-20 power-play drought by beating Vitek Vanecek 6:44 into the second, putting Pittsburgh ahead for good.
The Capitals suffered their fourth consecutive regulation loss despite Nicklas Backstrom’s 250th career goal.
In Sunday’s other NHL game, Max Pacioretty second-period goal stood up as Marc-Andre Fleury made 30 saves in the Golden Knights’ 1-0 victory over the Avalanche.
Vegas improved to 5-1-0 since returning from a pause due to COVID-19 protocols and leapfrogged the Blues to reclaim first place in the West Division.
Colorado played for the first time in nearly two weeks after its schedule was paused due to coronavirus protocols.
