With the score knotted 2-2, Crosby scored his 22nd this season unassisted at 19:32 for the game-winner. He scored his 21st at 18:08 of the second period.

Staal scored his 10th into an empty net with 13 seconds left in regulation.

The Capitals got a power play opportunity when the Penguins were penalized for too having many men on the ice with 4:58 left, but were unable to capitalize.

Petr Sykora also scored for Pittsburgh and Evegeni Malkin had three assists. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 36 of 38 shots for the Penguins, who have 85 points, one behind the idle New Jersey Devils for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

Washington got goals from Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich.

Cristobal Huet was beaten three times on 25 shots for the Caps, who have lost two in a row.