Hockey is back in Pittsburgh. In a game lacking defense, the Penguins beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions Washington Capitals 7-6 Thursday night in overtime.

Less than two minutes into the game, an unlikely source netted the first goal of the season: Jamie Oleksiak. The Capitals responded quickly, though, scoring two goals in less than five minutes.

After that, the two teams went back and forth through two periods. If the Capitals scored, the Pens would score and vice versa.

“It was a tough game to feel good about yourself,” said Letang. “For five minutes, we were on top of them. For five minutes, they were on top of us. It was hard to get momentum in this game.” (Jonathan Bombulie, Trib Live).

Jake Guentzel was a huge factor, scoring twice in those periods. Late in the 3rd period, Derick Brassard scored his first of the season to give the Pens a 5-4 lead.

After Malkin’s goal in the 3rd, it looked like the Pens would ride out a victory. But within a span of 22 seconds, Penguin nemesis T.J. Oshie scored twice, tying the game late.

“We had them on the ropes, but we let it slip,” Letang said.  (Jonathan Bombulie, Trib Live).

The game was forced to overtime, where Andre Burakovsky hooked captain Sidney Crosby less than a minute in to put the Pens on the powerplay.

Then Letang shot and did not miss. His second of the game, a slapshot from the blue line, gave the Penguins the 7-6 victory.

“That was a fun one,” said Matt Murray. “Maybe not for the goalies, but we’ll take the two points.” (Jonathan Bombulie, Trib Live).

The Penguins are now 1-0-0, and their next game is Saturday, Oct. 6 at PPG Paints Arena against the Montreal Canadiens.