The Pittsburgh Penguins take on Metropolitan rivals in the biggest game of the season.

PITTSBURGH – On paper, the Pittsburgh Penguins' matchup against the Washington Capitals may look like a regular late-season matchup, but one game will make or break the Penguins' season. With only seven games left, the Penguins desperately need every standings point possible, and the Capitals are one of the teams just ahead of them in the playoff race.

Both teams have had a tough year, but they’ve found some really good rhythm down the stretch and have put themselves right in the middle of a tight postseason race. The Penguins are just three points behind the Capitals, who hold the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot.

The Penguins are heading to Washington riding a six-game point streak despite illness possibly taking over part of the lineup. Goalie Tristan Jarry and defenseman John Ludvig missed the back-to-back set in New York and New Jersey with sickness, and it’s possible others aren’t feeling 100%.

Without a few faces, the Penguins have been carried by their captain, Sidney Crosby, and netminder, Alex Nedeljkovic. Crosby has 15 points in his last six games, and Nedeljkovic has taken each start of the Penguins’ current point streak.

With a 34-30-11 record, the Penguins wish the 2023-24 season could have gone much smoother. With the playoffs approaching, however, they are still in the hunt and have no plans of throwing in the towel.

They're in the midst of one of the toughest stretches in recent memory and will need to be nearly perfect to remain within striking distance. This contest against the Capitals is a must-win and can be a huge swing if the Penguins walk away with a win.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Penguins Preview: Sidney Crosby Nearing Another Milestone

Penguins Find Perfect Partner for Evgeni Malkin

Penguins' Voices to Call NHL 'Multiversus' Game

Penguins' Sidney Crosby on Career-Defining Stretch

Penguins' Sidney Crosby Will Get Shot at World Championship

• undefined
• undefined