Evgeni Malkin to the rescue, Joel Blomqvist’s strong performance, and more: 3 Takeaways from Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-2 win over Washington Capitals”

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the rival Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Friday night looking to end their two-game losing skid. Meanwhile, the host Capitals were hoping to continue their strong start to the campaign.

In the end, it was the Penguins who came out on top, doubling up the Capitals by a 4-2 final score.

The Penguins took a two-goal lead before the first period was halfway through thanks to tallies from Erik Karlsson and Michael Bunting; it was the second goal of the year for both players.

Washington managed to cut the lead in half courtesy of Rasmus Sandin's tally, beating goaltender Joel Blomqvist with a quick snapshot at 8:22 of the first period.

Andrew Mangiapane knotted the score at 2-2 in the game's middle frame.

But as he's done so often throughout his Hall of Fame career, Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin came through in the clutch for his club. He scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period, picking up his fifth tally of the year. And while the Capitals would press for the tying goal, Noel Acciari scored on the vacated net with goaltender Charlie Lindgren lifted for the extra attacker.

Lindgren finished with 28 saves for the Capitals in a losing effort, while Blomqvist picked up the win with 32 saves.

Let's examine the biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's triumph over Washington on Friday night.

3 Biggest Takeaways from Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-2 win over Washington Capitals

#3. The Penguins were clearly more ready to play

The Penguins rebounded from their rough outing against the Carolina Hurricanes in which they were bested in every conceivable way. Pittsburgh was quicker to loose pucks, won more board battles, and had an overall better sense of urgency.

They'd be wise to begin their games in this manner more often.

#2. Joel Blomqvist bailed out the Penguins in the second period

While the Penguins were the better team in the first period, the Capitals managed to fire 18 shots at the Pittsburgh net in the second period.

Blomqvist turned in another strong performance for his club, turning aside 17 of the 18 shots that came his way, including several prime scoring chances. He's certainly worthy of thanks from his teammates.

#1. Evgeni Malkin continues to be clutch despite being 38

While Father Time eventually comes for everyone, Malkin (and teammate Sidney Crosby) shows no signs of slowing down.

Malkin continues to play at a high level and demonstrates that age is just a number. With a goal and and assist, the 38-year-old now has 18 points on the season.

He and the rest of the Penguins will return home to host the Dallas Stars on Monday night at PPG Paints Arena.