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NHL playoffs 2017: Capitals vs. Penguins preview and prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Daniel Winnik (26) and Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) exchange punches during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Daniel Winnik (26) and Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) exchange punches during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who wins the second round series between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins?

Whoever wins the second round series between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins will most likely go on to win the Stanley Cup. The winner will have just eliminated the next best team in the NHL and the biggest threat to their throne. While Washington is under the most pressure to win the series, you’re kidding yourself if you think Pittsburgh isn’t under pressure as well. They’d love nothing more than to ruin the Stanley Cup dreams of their adversary.

Alex Ovechkin leads the Caps into the series as the top regular season team in the NHL. They beat the Penguins twice during the regular season, also losing to them twice in overtime. While both of those wins were blowouts, you can toss regular season records out the window in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Goaltender Braden Holtby is starting to get into a groove, which is good news for the Caps.

Sidney Crosby will lead the Penguins into the series. Most teams don’t like an extended break between rounds, but Pittsburgh’s dealing with injuries, so it should serve them well. They’re coming off a series win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games. The Penguins will be getting Chris Kunitz back for the series. As a proven playoff producer, he should be a huge help.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment

Prediction

Washington has to get the huge gorilla off their back. Their playoff failures against Pittsburgh are well documented. But this is the year they finally manage to get past the Penguins in the postseason. The Caps are much deeper than they were last year. One could argue they’ve never iced a more complete lineup. This should be a close series with the Caps coming out on top.

Capitals over Penguins in seven.

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