The set-up: The Washington Capitals own a troubled (that's a nice way to put it, right?) playoff history and the 2018 postseason could be following a similar script. Yes, the Caps came back to win four straight games over Columbus after losing both games at home in the first round but Washington immediately coughed-up its home ice advantage to the Penguins in Game 1 of the teams' Eastern Conference semifinal. Even more troubling is that in seven postseason games, including three of their four at home , the Caps have frittered away a two-goal lead four times ,this postseason. Washington allowed three third-period goals during a span of 4:49 in Game 1 and now have to regroup quickly if thgey want to even their best-of-seven series with Pittsburgh at one game apiece when they host their bitter rivals in Game 2 on Sunday afternoon. The Capitals need a stronger response at home considering they are 1-3 at Capital One Arena, while the Penguins are a perfect 4-0 on the road in the 2018 postseason..

Pittsburgh: Center Evgeni Malkin shed the non-contact jersey for a more traditional yellow one in practice on Saturday and will be a game-time decision for Game 2, after sitting out two contests with a lower-body injury following a collision with Philadelphia's Jori Lehtera. Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby, Malkin, Phil Kessel and Matt Murray tend to dominate the headlines but Jake Guentzel routinely 'comes alive' when the postseason rolls along. The 23-year-old capped the late goal surge by linemates Crosby and Patric Hornqvist to extend his point streak to five games (four goals, eight assists) and boost his league-leading total in scoring with 16 (seven goals, nine assists).

Washington: The Caps took a 1-0 lead just 17 seconds into Game 1 and had several odd-man rushes but never put Pittsburgh away. Alex Ovechkin scored and set up a goal in the series opener but the team's superstar captain and his linemates, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson, were on the ice for all three of Pittsburgh's goals in the third period. They don't need a lot of chances," Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen told NHL.com. "If they have one good look, they can snipe. But you can't overthink it either. You've just got to play your game. But when it's your guy, when it's your turn to check, you've got to check hard and really take away their space."

The pick: The Capitals are no strangers to being behind in a series, having lost the first two games at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets before winning four straight in the opening round. In fact, Washington lost the first two games at home against the Penguins a year ago but was able forced a Game 7 on home ice. Naturally, the Caps lost that one. However, this is NOT a Game 7 and I expect Washington to even the series with a win. Make the Caps a 10* play.