Surely HBO would prefer the Capitals and Penguins to be battling atop the Eastern Conference leading into the 24/7 mini-series and the Winter Classic this New Years Day. Unfortunately for Capitals fans, Washington has dropped seven-straight games, but that doesn't make this event any less interesting.
Tonight's premiere began with an introduction to Pittsburgh's roster, with an unsurprising focus on Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury, the Penguins' winning streak and Crosby's annoyingly prepubescent moustache.
Also highlighted was a fight between Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland and an unfortunate member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of four fights that night in Pittsburgh. Engelland headed straight to the locker room for stitches afterward. John Erskine probably wouldn't have needed stitches.
The Capitals are up next. We'll bring you updates live tonight as they happen.