Caps’ Ovechkin closer than ever to Cup Final
TAMPA, FLA. >> Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is closer than ever to playing for the Stanley Cup, and he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I’ve never been in this position before,” he said Tuesday, looking ahead to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The winner tonight earns a berth in the Stanley Cup Final opposite the Vegas Golden Knights, who will try for hockey’s biggest prize in their inaugural season.
Ovechkin and the Caps are hoping to shed a label as playoff underachievers, a franchise that dazzles during the regular season only to disappoint at the most important time of the year.
“I’m excited. We’re all excited . ... We all want to be in this position and move forward,” said Ovechkin, who is playing in the conference final for the first time during his prolific 13-year career.
“(Wednesday night) is probably biggest game in my life, this team, organization probably . ... We still haven’t reached our goal. Tomorrow is going to be a huge step forward.”
Not if the Lightning have their way. Tampa Bay is playing Game 7 in the conference final for the third time in four years. It beat the New York Rangers on the road to advance to the 2015 Cup Final, but fell short the following year against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Experience is always a good thing, but it’s nothing I’m going to sit and lean on,” said Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman, who is 7-1 in Game 7s during his career. “It’s about doing your job at the highest level you possibly can.”
Washington forced Wednesday’s winner-take-all matchup with a dominating 3-0 victory in Game 6.
NIEMI SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL WITH CANADIENS >> Seeking stability more than money, goalie Antti Niemi, a former Shark, has agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract with Montreal.
LAMORIELLO TAKES CHARGE OF ISLANDERS >> The Islanders hired of 75-year-old Lou Lamoriello as president of hockey operations, giving the longtime NHL executive the keys to a franchise that has missed the playoffs eight times in the past 12 years. Lamoriello, who led the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup titles and helped Toronto become playoff contenders again, is tasked with trying to re-sign star center John Tavares and the future of Snow and coach Doug Weight.
FENTON HIRED AS WILD GM >> Paul Fenton finally has the opportunity to run a team. The new Minesota general manager has been tasked with retooling a roster that has produced a consistent regular season winner but scant success in the playoffs.