The Penguins will begin their eighth playoff series against the Washington Capitals on Saturday. With a Sidney Crosby-Alex Ovechkin battle on the menu, the series will no doubt add another memorable chapter to what has turned into a long and heated rivalry over the years.
Where did it all start, you ask?
The teams first met on November 16, 1974 at the Civic Arena, during the Caps' inaugural season. The dreadful D.C.ers came in with only one win in 16 contests and would be going up against a Pens team that was starting to develop into a potent offensive force, thanks in large part to the play of rookie Pierre Larouche. In this preview article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the day of the game, we learn that it's Larouche's 19th birthday and that he seems a little worried about how his teammates might help him celebrate.
Have a look at the "Civic Arena Rosters" and see if you recognize any of the players in the Caps column. No? Well, don't be ashamed. This was certainly a collection of nobodys, save perhaps for goalie Ron Low, who enjoyed a long playing career and went on to become an NHL head coach. And if you're a Caps fan, you'll know #7 Yvon Labre, the first Washington player to have his number retired.
The Pens, by the way, would rout the Capitals, 8-1.
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