For the first time in his career, Alex Ovechkin is going to the Eastern Conference Finals as the Washington Capitals edged the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in overtime.
It’s been 13 years in the making, but Alex Ovechkin’s wait is finally over.
The Washington Capitals sent their fans home happy after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in overtime on Monday night. The win sends the Caps to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1988 and leaves the team just four wins away from a shot at the Stanley Cup.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS – YOUR WASHINGTON CAPITALS ARE HEADED TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/1l7Vs0AgFM
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 8, 2018
Evgeny Kuznetsov scored at 5:27 of overtime to give the Caps the win and eliminate Sidney Crosby and the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins. Ovechkin had the primary assist on the game-winner.
KUZY'S GAME WINNER IN OT!! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/HfYXfHMKYy
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 8, 2018
The Pens had been looking for their third straight Stanley Cup, playing the Capitals for the third consecutive season. But the Caps finally found a way to knock off the Pens and now look forward to another round of Stanley Cup playoff hockey.
The Capitals scored the first goal of the game early in the second period with Alex Chaisson finding the back of the net. Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang evened things up at the 11:52 mark of the second period.
All that stands in the way of the Capitals and the Stanley Cup Finals are Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning knocked off the Boston Bruins in five games, eliminating the Bruins on Sunday.
An epic battle is on the horizon as Alex Ovechkin battling Steven Stamkos should make for some exciting, high-scoring hockey.
