Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Round 2 Preview

Jan 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) takes a face-off against Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) during the first period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 8-7 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) defends Washington Capitals defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) during the third period against at the PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Defence

Injuries plagued the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout the season, and the biggest injury was to the Penguins #1 defenceman, Kris Letang.

Nevertheless, Pittsburgh’s defensive core has been able to hold it together throughout this season. Justin Schultz stepped up and had his best season yet, and other acquisitions like Ron Hainsey have helped solidify the blue line more for the Penguins.

Washington on the other hand has a very structured defensive core. With their only injury being to Karl Alzner, most of their top six is in tact. Expect key games from Matt Niskanen, John Carlson and recent pickup Kevin Shattenkirk. Also watch out for past Penguin Brooks Orpik.

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