WASHINGTON -- This series, this matchup, the rivalry, with the speed, intensity, hitting, star power and, for now, the red-rocking blaring crowd, just wow.
With Game 1 as the new barometer, this Eastern Conference Second Round series between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins actually might match the hype. That's saying something considering the hype machine was in overdrive these past few days with the Penguins and Capitals, with Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, getting set to meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Penguins, Capitals live up to hype in Game 1
Pittsburgh and Washington match high expectations in first playoff meeting since 2009