This may be their year.
For the first time since Game 1 of their 2016 matchup, the Washington Capitals have edged the Pittsburgh Penguins for the lead in a playoff series.
The Capitals defeated the Penguins 4-3 in Game 3 on Tuesday, putting themselves up 2-1 thanks to a late winner by captain Alex Ovechkin.
This spring marks the third straight playoff meeting between Pittsburgh and Washington. Here's how the last two series played out:
2017
| Game | Matchup | Score | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PIT @ WSH | 3-2 Penguins | 1-0 PIT |
| 2 | PIT @ WSH | 6-2 Penguins | 2-0 PIT |
| 3 | WSH @ PIT | 3-2 (OT) Capitals | 2-1 PIT |
| 4 | WSH @ PIT | 3-2 Penguins | 3-1 PIT |
| 5 | PIT @ WSH | 4-2 Capitals | 3-2 PIT |
| 6 | WSH @ PIT | 5-2 Capitals | 3-3 |
| 7 | PIT @ WSH | 2-0 Penguins | 4-3 PIT |
2016
| Game | Matchup | Score | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PIT @ WSH | 4-3 (OT) Capitals | 1-0 WSH |
| 2 | PIT @ WSH | 2-1 Penguins | 1-1 |
| 3 | WSH @ PIT | 3-2 Penguins | 2-1 PIT |
| 4 | WSH @ PIT | 3-2 (OT) Penguins | 3-1 PIT |
| 5 | PIT @ WSH | 3-1 Capitals | 3-2 PIT |
| 6 | WSH @ PIT | 4-3 (OT) Penguins | 4-2 PIT |
The Capitals have the chance to push their series lead to 3-1 when they head to Pittsburgh for Game 4 on Thursday.
