Huge Two Points: Penguins Report Card vs. Capitals

The team on the forecheck was the team that controlled the game. In the end, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray outplayed young hot-shot Ilya Samsonov and perhaps stole two points for the Penguins in a 4-3 win at the Capital One Arena.

The Penguins depth showed up on the scoresheet. Fourth liner Sam Lafferty, third-liner Brandon Tanev, and utility knife Dominik Simon scored three of the Penguins four goals.

“It was good. It was a nice play all around by our line on the forecheck to create the chance,” Lafferty said. “It felt good to contribute.”

But depth was only part of it. The Penguins took a tactical advantage, at least through 40 minutes, and they had an ace up their sleeve, which they haven’t played much recently.