9 – Number of players on the playoff rosters for the Capitals and Penguins who will be taking part in their first Washington-Pittsburgh postseason battle. The rivalry rookies are far more numerous on the Pens’ side (thanks in large part to the injuries they’ve suffered), with Ron Hainsey, Carter Rowney, Mark Streit, Chad Ruhwedel, Scott Wilson and Jake Guentzel getting their first taste of Caps-Pens madness tonight. On the Caps’ bench, there’s just a trio of newcomers Lars Eller, Brett Connolly and Kevin Shattenkirk.
On the flip side, three Caps (Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Jay Beagle) and four Pens (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz and Marc-Andre Fleury) – have participated in each series between these two teams since their first clash back in 2009.
And of course, Brooks Orpik holds the special distinction of being the only player to have suited up for both teams over that span.