The Washington Capitals are hoping they can avoid a repeat of recent history.
They are not off to a good start.
The Presidents' Trophy winners are involved in a playoff battle with the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins for the second year in a row. The Penguins and Sidney Crosby got the best of Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in six games last year, and that defeat would've stung head coach Barry Trotz and his players throughout the offseason.
The Caps have a chance for revenge and, more importantly, an opportunity to advance to the NHL Eastern Conference Final.