Pittsburgh Penguins: 2017-18 Metropolitan Division Preview

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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) flicks the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ron Hainsey (65) during game 7 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinal between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 10, 2017, at the Verizon Center in Washington DC. Pittsburgh defeated the Washington Capitals 2-0.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Washington Capitals had a huge season, again, and didn’t have the playoff run they were hoping for when the Penguins sent them packing, again. Washington isn’t too different of a team this season but will be playing harder than ever.

The Pens topped the Washington Capitals in two of four games last season. Pittsburgh took both wins on home ice in overtime. In their wins, the Penguins demonstrated the abilities of their special teams and overtime capabilties. In their losses, the pushing offense of the Capitals was took much for the Pens’ defensive system and goaltending to keep up with.

Overall, the Penguins are considered the most successful team with a more effective dynamic while the Capitals, though strong, lose their footing and organization occasionally. The Penguins can continue to top the Capitals by keeping their play together and skills high.

The Capitals’ strongest upside is their gritty and pushing style of play and goaltending from Braden Holtby. If the Penguins can keep their defense strong and find the best way to infiltrate the Caps’ defense and beat Holtby, they’ll continue their success against the team.

Skilled plays and a speed game are the Penguins’ specialty and exactly the kind of play they need at a high to top the Capitals.

Next: Crosby's Top Goals of 2016-17

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