Capitals Storm into Tampa, Sweep Lightning

Damn.

Maybe getting past the Pittsburgh Penguins was the hard part.

For the first time in Alex Ovechkin's 13-year career -- and Barry Trotz's 19 years as an NHL coach -- the Washington Capitals are in the Eastern Conference finals.

And they're cruising in a Pen-free environment.

 

The Crushin' Russian's in his prime at age 32, kinda like Henrik Lundqvist was when the New York Rangers made a run at the Cup in 2014.

With the Blueshirts in rebuilding mode and King Henrik re-committing to them, it appears he'll join the Sedin twins and others who enjoyed long and elite careers but never won the ultimate hockey honor.

 

Gotta wonder how many more shots at hoisting the hardware Ovechkin will have.

Maybe he is, too. Same with his fellow illuminaries on this year's squad. Right now, the Capitals are in top form -- playing both smart and dominant hockey -- with Ovie leading by example.

Case in point: the Tampa Bay Lightning were 29-10-2 at home in the regular season, had the East's best overall record, and just disposed of the East's second-best team.

 

It's with all that in mind that Washington jumping out to a 2-0 series lead becomes even more impressive.

In Game 1, Ovie rang up a goal, an assist and three solid hits in a 4-2 triumph:

 

Game 2 was even more jarring, with Ovechkin again providing a goal and an assist.

Dude also upped his hit count to five in a 6-2 Game 2 blitz that left the speedy 'Ning dead in their tracks:

 

Now, if they can only figure out how to do that on home ice.

Dudes are currently 7-1 on the road in the playoffs but only 3-3 in the aptly named Capital One Arena. As well, Tampa Bay is well capable of returning the favor.

Ovechkin & Co are playing like there's no tomorrow, because for them, there might not be. The Lightning, meanwhile, need to take advantage of the fact that there is.