Sidney Crosby | Playoff Performer of the Night

Sidney Crosby gave the Pittsburgh Penguins an early lead in the second period of their Round 2 opening matchup against the Washington Capitals Thursday with a pair of goals scored just 52 seconds apart.

Sidney Crosby gave the Pittsburgh Penguins an early lead in the second period of their Round 2 opening matchup against the Washington Capitals Thursday with a pair of goals scored just 52 seconds apart.

The Capitals soon answered back with two goals of their own, but Nick Bonino went on to score the sixth game-winner of his postseason career to give the Penguins a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Nova Scotia-born captain scored his first goal 12 seconds into the second period, matching his own franchise playoff record set in Game 3 of the 2008 quarterfinals for the fastest goal to start a period. With his second goal of the night, he posted his 51st career multi-point postseason game to tie Mario Lemieux for the franchise high.

Crosby has been producing at a rate of nearly two points per game over his last five of the postseason, with four goals and five assists for nine points.

The Penguins will try to steal another game on the road in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference series at Verizon Center Saturday.

For a complete listing of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff Performer of the Night, click here.