Penguins begin title defense with 3-2 win over Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin, left, checks Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich) (The Associated Press)

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Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) scores a goal against Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich) (The Associated Press)

The Pittsburgh Penguins watch as their Stanley Cup Banner is raised before an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich) (The Associated Press)

PITTSBURGH – Phil Kessel beat Braden Holtby in the fourth round of a shootout and the Pittsburgh Penguins began the defense of their Stanley Cup with a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.

Kessel's wrist shot over Holtby's glove was initially ruled no goal but was overturned on replay. Marc-Andre Fleury then stuffed Alex Ovechkin from in close to help the Penguins improve to 5-0 all-time against Washington in season openers.

Fleury finished with 39 saves for Pittsburgh. Patric Hornqvist and Evgeni Malkin scored as the Penguins capped a celebratory night in which they lifted their latest Stanley Cup banner to the rafters by tripping up a familiar rival.

Andre Burakovsky scored twice for Washington and Holtby made 28 stops but allowed three goals in the shootout.