Inside the matchup: Penguins vs. Capitals

The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Washington Capitals when they face off in this week's Wednesday Night Rivalry game (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN1, TVA Sports).

They are separated by one point in the tight Metropolitan Division race, but the Capitals have dominated the Penguins so far this season, winning all three games and outscoring Pittsburgh 10-1. That includes Washington's 3-1 victory in Pittsburgh eight days ago.

The game features two of the NHL's top stars, each of whom has enjoyed success against the other's team during his career. Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby has 17 goals and 50 points in 32 career games against Washington; Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals has 26 goals and 45 points in 38 career games against the Penguins.