Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Number Two: Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
WHEN: April 5th through April 7th, 2016
WHO: Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders
WHY: The Washington Capitals will close the season with a two game home stand. Though they do have a game after this home stand, it is extremely important for the Capitals because they will most likely be fighting with the Pens and Islanders for playoff positioning.
The Caps got the best of the Penguins in 2014-2015, beating them in three of their four match ups and outscoring them 13-5. However, just like the Capitals improved this off-season, the Penguins have improved as well. They traded for Phil Kessel, which gives either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin an elite goal scoring wing. Neither of the two have ever played with an elite goal scoring wing, so Kessel should obviously have a great season. They made it personal by signing former Caps forward Eric Fehr.
The Capitals and the Islanders know each other quite well, as the two teams had an epic seven game series in the first round of the playoffs. The first round saw the Washington Capitals come out on top, but the Islanders are an extremely good team that should get even better. The Caps also improved, which should make for an excellent game.
Next: #1: A Tough Five Game Stand