Alex Ovechkin scored his seventh goal of the postseason just 86 seconds into the game as the Capitals paddled the Penguins 4-1 in D.C. to tie the series at one win apiece.
Jakub Vrana added a power play goal in the first for Washington, and Brett Connolly padded the lead in the second.
Nicklas Backstrom scored an empty-netter and Lars Eller finished with three assists for the Caps.
Braden Holtby racked up 32 saves as the series shifts to Pittsburgh for Game Three tomorrow night.
Kris Letang scored for the Pens in the second. Matt Murray finished with 28 saves in the loss.