NHL: Crosby, Penguins rout Ovechkin, Capitals

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Washington • Even Sidney Crosby acknowledged his goal — and the lickety-split series of passes that led up to it — was "fun" and "one of the nicer ones."

Crosby delivered that highlight-reel goal and an assist to get the better of a quiet Alex Ovechkin in the past league MVPs' first matchup as division rivals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins ended a three-game road losing streak by beating the Washington Capitals 4-0 on Wednesday night.

Crosby's one-timer from a tough angle while leaning on his left knee capped quite a sequence of touches from Evgeni Malkin at the point to Chris Kunitz in the slot to James Neal slightly behind the net to Crosby in the left circle.

When the puck flew past goalie Braden Holtby with 29 seconds left in the third period to make it 3-0, Crosby raised his fists, threw his head back and let out a yell.

"It's tough to get those," Crosby said. "Teams know where everybody is on the ice. To get that many quick passes in — you enjoy those, because you don't see those too often. It's right up there."

Even Holtby sounded impressed afterward.

"For Crosby to one-time that one off his off-wing, put it where he did — guys like that are going to score goals," Holtby said, pursing his lips and shaking his head.

The Associated Press