The Washington Capitals need to beat the living bejesus out of the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Not only would a win push the Caps past their rivals in the standings and sweep them in their season series, a win would also send a message. Basically: We’re not putting up with your BS.

Eight days ago, Alex Ovechkin slashed Kris Letang in the ankles. Ovechkin claimed he was trying to shoot a loose puck at the net. Instead Letang fell dangerously into the end boards. Ovechkin was not whistled for a penalty and Letang left the game briefly.

The Penguins, rattled, lost focus on the two points. Instead, they spent the third period doling out cheap shots to Ovechkin and the Capitals, dispensing frontier justice rather than trying to win.

The fans followed their team’s lead. A Penguins fan poured beer on the Ovechkin and trainer Greg Smith during a stoppage in play.

The Capitals kept their eyes on the prize. They scored two goals in the third period, one from Joel Ward and an empty netter from John Carlson, to win 3-1.

I know you can’t print out GIFs and pin them to a bulletin board, but I hope the Caps remember how Pittsburgh played last week. Here’s a reminder.

Chris Kunitz Infinity Cross-Checks Alex Ovechkin

It didn’t end well for Kunitz though.

Penguins Fan Dumps Beer on Alex Ovechkin

Sick burn from Smitty.

For the record #ovechkin and I took beer shower from a nice #Pens fan. Next time hit my mouth not my shirt — Greg Smith (@Smittycaps) February 18, 2015

Maxim Lapierre Headbutts Eric Fehr

Fehr handled this like a champ too.

Marc-Andre Fleury Shoves Brooks Laich Behind the Play

Blake Comeau Shoves Brooks Orpik After the Whistle

Kris Letang Cheap-Shots Ovechkin

Steve Downie Punches Jack Hillen In the Mouth

Kris Letang Butt-Checks Ovechkin During Pens PK

It’s a legal hit, but still.

Chris Kunitz Boards Joel Ward

Joel Ward’s game-winning goal came on the resulting power play.

Kris Letang Hits Braden Holtby After The Whistle

The Caps should continue to do what they did last game: ignore the madness and do not retaliate. Let’s see ’em run up the score. Hit them where it really hurts: the standings.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Penguins