The Washington Capitals are expected to secure the Metropolitan Division title and the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, provided that they beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in any fashion.

      Previously, the Capitals have defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins twice in three games. “T.J. Oshie had two goals and an assist, and Braden Holtby made 44 saves in a 4-1 win on Dec. 14. Matt Niskanen scored late in the third period of a 3-2 win on March 1. Three Penguins scored in the third period of a 3-1 win on Oct. 28,” according to the NHL.com

      The Capitals will lack defenseman John Carlson who has missed 11 games with a lower-body injury.

      The Capitals expect a tough matchup after defeating the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Friday. "You don't want to give them any mental edge. At the same time, we'll be prepared for Pittsburgh and they will be prepared for us," Trotz was quoted as saying to Monumental Network by the NHL.com. "They are trying to stay in, they will be desperate. ... They will be a very, very focused hockey club playing at a very high level tomorrow."