Game Recap: Penguins vs. Capitals , The Penguins Are Playoff Bound

The Penguins traveled to Washington, D. C. for an important couple of games against the Capitals. Entering tonight, Pittsburgh was just one point behind Washington in the standings, and a win of any kind (plus the Rangers losing in regulation) would clinch a playoff berth for the Penguins. The Caps struck first, but Kasperi Kapanen struck down a pass from miodair and blasted it in glove side to tie things. Then, Freddy Gaudreau, in his return to the lineup, buried one to give Pittsburgh a 21 lead. The Capitals scored the next two, and things would head into the 3rd period all tied up, 33. Kasperi Kapanen struck again, this time after streaking down the wing and perfectly placing a shot. All was well and until 14. 3 seconds remained in regulation. Tom Wilson tied it for Washington, sending the game to overtime. Jake Guentzel scored the gamewinning goal in the extra frame, sending Pittsburgh to the playoffs for the 15thconsecutive season. This is the longest such active streak among any major North A