Yes, the two teams staged a classic second-round playoff series last May, won by the Penguins in seven games. But that was 253 days ago. To the players themselves, tonight’s regular-season contest at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh must be treated as just another game. At least that’s what most of them say in public. Once they skate onto the ice for warm-ups their emotions likely will tell a different story.

“[The Penguins] are the Stanley Cup champs. Any team that plays against them is going to use it as a measuring stick to see how you stack up,” said Caps defenseman Tom Poti. “We’ll be no different tomorrow night. They’re the champs until someone beats them and takes it away from them.”

Pittsburgh won two games in overtime during that playoff series and the Caps won one themselves. Game 7 was an anticlimactic 6-2 Penguins win and they went on to take the title — twisting the knife a little deeper as Washington watched them celebrate on television. But even after that epic playoff confrontation, is there too much hype when the Penguins and Caps play in the regular season?

“Everyone is going to say yes to that question. But I’m going to say no,” said Caps defenseman Brian Pothier, who likely will sit out tonight’s game because of an undisclosed injury. “I think it’s what the [NHL] needs, what the league wants. It’s what hockey fans want. All these great players, two of the best young, energetic, exciting teams in the league playing against each other with two passionate sets of fans. I want to watch that game.”

Pittsburgh star center Sidney Crosby had a six-point night on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. He ranks fourth in the NHL in points (63) and has 32 goals — good for second overall. Caps star winger Alex Ovechkin had five points last Friday against Toronto. The two-time reigning Hart Trophy winner is third in the league with 30 goals and second in points with 65.

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