On this date in Penguins history: Kicking off the 2017 Pens-Caps series with a win

Three years ago today, the Penguins kicked off their playoff series with the Washington Capitals.

A year prior, the Penguins defeated the Capitals in six games and matched up again the second round a year later.

With Matt Murray still on the shelf with an injury, it was Marc-Andre Fleury in goal for the Penguins.

A scoreless first period for both teams started the game out, and Sidney Crosby was ready to take control at the start of the second period.

Two goals one minute apart put the Penguins ahead 2-0, but the Capitals clawed back.

Alex Ovechkin pulled the Caps within one late in the 2nd, and Evgeny Kuznetsov drew things even midway through the third period.

Noted big game player Nick Bonino would have the last say, however, getting the game-winning goal just a few minutes after Kuznetsov tied things up. What a goal that was, in hindsight. He showed some wheels that most didn’t realize he had.

The Penguins would face a barrage in Game 1, with Fleury making 33 saves in the 3-2 win.

The Game 1 win would set the Penguins up in the drivers seat for the rest of the series, that they ultimately would win in 7 games.