Preview: Penguins, Capitals Meet in Pivotal Regular-Season Finale WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will close their regular seasons Sunday with a high-stakes matchup at Capital One Arena, one day after the Capitals delivered a decisive statement on the road. The Capitals (41-39-0) defeated the Penguins (41-39-0) 6-3 in Pittsburgh on Saturday, setting up a winner-take-all scenario for playoff positioning or potential elimination in the season finale. Both teams enter with identical records, making this a de facto playoff game. Washington’s Ryan Leonard, the rookie forward, paces the team’s recent surge. He scored two goals in Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh and has four goals in his last five games. Veteran Tom Wilson also had a goal and an assist in the victory. Pittsburgh will look for a quick rebound, led by defenseman Ryan Shea, who had two assists in Saturday’s loss. Shea has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in his last ten contests. The season series is tied 1-1. The Penguins won the first meeting 5-3 on Nov. 6, 2025, before Washington’s emphatic response Saturday. Both teams have been inconsistent down the stretch. The Capitals are 6-4-0 in their last ten games, including a 4-0 shutout of Toronto on Wednesday, but also an 8-1 loss to the New York Rangers on April 5. The Penguins are 5-5-0 in their last ten, with victories over New Jersey and Florida this month, but also several lopsided defeats. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3. The puck drops at 7:08 p.m. EDT. The Capitals travel to Columbus on Tuesday, while the Penguins visit St. Louis. For one, or both, Sunday’s game could be the final contest of their season.