Kuznetsov scores in OT to eliminate Penguins

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s breakway goal 5:27 into overtime gave the Washington Capitals a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 on Monday night in Pittsburgh, and a berth in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 20 years.

Kuznetsov took a lead pass from Alexander Ovechkin and tucked the puck by Matt Murray to end Pittsburgh’s two-year reign as Stanley Cup champions and propel the Capitals into the NHL’s final four for just the third time in franchise history.

Braden Holtby stopped 21 shots for the Capitals, who will face Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals. Alex Chiasson scored his first playoff goal in four years during a taut, tight contest through regulation.

Kris Letang scored for the Penguins and Murray finished with 28 saves but couldn’t close his legs fast enough to stop Kuznetsov’s forehand flick from in close as Pittsburgh’s bid at becoming the first team in 35 years to win three consecutive Cups came to an abrupt end.

A 2-way team: Back in the Eastern Conference final for the third time in four years, the Lightning led the NHL in scoring this season but have been even more impressive defensively through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

“In the regular season we had the most goals scored in the league or close to it,” coach Jon Cooper said. “So we’re kind of looked at as that team, the high-flying Bolts that can score, and defense isn’t really important. But to win in the playoffs, you have to have that.”

The Lightning’s depth also showed offensively, with 12 players combining to score 17 goals in the second-round ouster of the Bruins.

“It’s a four-line effort,” Cooper said. “You have to have depth. You have to have it. Everybody bought into their roles and contributed.”

The Lightning will face the Capitals or the Penguins in the conference final. The Caps led that semifinal series 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Monday night.