Since more recent history with Pittsburgh is unpleasant, it’s soothing to reflect on the early ‘80’s. The Caps routinely beat the Pens, dare we say, “Like a rented mule.”
Washington’s unbeaten streak in the series reached 15 wins and a tie on Nov. 20, 1985, as Craig Laughlin scored twice in a 3-1 win at Pittsburgh.“We’re not the Edmonton Oilers,” said Laughlin. “We don’t do anything fancy. But once we pull ahead, it’s tough to come back.”
Of all the games in the streak, the Pens got the coldest shoulder on Jan. 17, 1985. Blown out at Capital Centre, 6-2, there was also no hot water for their post-game showers.
A sellout in Landover on April 1, 1986 saw the Caps win again, 5-3. That gave Washington a remarkable 23-2-2 record against Pittsburgh, dating back to December, 1982.
David Fink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote admiringly about the stifling defensive style of the mid-‘80’s Capitals.
“There are more enjoyable ways to kill time than playing the Capitals. A trip to the dentist, an IRS audit, a week on the rack.”“They are disciplined, and love to grind it out, wear you down, and beat you at the end,” Fink quoted Pens coach Bob Berry.
Added defenseman Doug Bodger, “More than any team, they wait for you to make a mistake, and then beat you by a goal.”
Concluded Fink, “To appreciate how committed the Caps are to defense, their brightest star is Rod Langway. He handles the puck flawlessly and prevents goals with an almost religious ferver.”