The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Washington Capitals in a must win game at home.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set for a matchup against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. These two teams are in uncharted territory in the Sidney Crosby/Ovechkin Era. The Capitals are set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and the Penguins are teetering on the edge of playoff positioning. The Penguins are in need of two points to maintain their wildcard spot. Here's what to watch for in this prime time showdown between the Pens and Caps. 

1. Evgeni Malkin Unstoppable at Home

Evgeni Malkin is having an incredible run at home this season. Since the calendar flipped, he's been the leading point producer at home, with 30 points at PPG Paints Arena since January 10th. He's currently riding an eight-game home point streak, with two goals, 12 assists, and 14 points in that span. Geno will need to extend his streak to nine games against his old buddy Ovechkin and company if the Penguins want to win.

2. Pens Leaning on Casey DeSmith

The Penguins are once again without their starting goaltender, Tristan Jarry. A lower-body injury has put Jarry on the shelf again, and in his absence the Penguins are relying on Casey DeSmith to backstop their team. In the midst of a dogfight for a wildcard spot, the Pens need DeSmith to have his best stretch of the season. 

3. Dylan Strome Solid as Top-Six Center

The Capitals needed another center to fill the void of Nicklas Backstrom's injury riddled season, and that's exactly what Dylan Strome has provided. The 26 year-old has excelled in a top-six role with the Capitals, and has put up a respectable 17 goals, 38 assists, and 55 points in 72 games.

Strome is also lighting it up lately, with seven points in his last five games. The Pens will need to keep an eye on him, as he is a legitimate scoring threat for the Capitals. 

The Penguins and Capitals face-off at 8:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.

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