Capitals at Penguins
THE STORY: The Washington Capitals will be looking to take the season series with the Pittsburgh Penguins when they meet for the fourth and final time on Sunday afternoon. The Capitals are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night, the second time in three games that Washington was held off the scoresheet. The Capitals will be in for a tough time when they travel to the Steel City to play a Penguins team that will be looking for their sixth straight win. Pittsburgh was trailing by two goals in the third period to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, but rallied to tie the game. All-Star Evgeni Malkin completed the comeback by netting the shootout winner.
TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (25-19-2): The Capitals have recorded 30 or fewer shots in 17 straight games, and fewer than 25 in eight consecutive starts. Injuries to Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Poti and Mike Green haven’t helped the Capitals get more pucks to the net. The offensive pressure has been put on the shoulders of captain Alex Ovechkin, who has responded with only two goals and an assist in his last five games. Marcus Johansson has a goal and two helpers over the same stretch.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (26-17-4): Captain Sidney Crosby was in California on Friday to visit with Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist as part of his treatment program. Crosby is expected to undergo a series of tests with Dr. Bray. Crosby hasn’t played since Dec. 5 due to concussion-like symptoms. Malkin has stepped up in Crosby’s absence. The Russian has collected eight goals and two assists during his five-game point streak.
OVERTIME:
1. The shorthanded Penguins are also missing Jordan Staal (knee), Arron Asham (concussion) and Simon Despres (knee).
2. Pittsburgh has scored just three goals in as many games with Washington this season.
3. For the first time in more than a decade, three straight Capitals games have ended in a shutout.