Caps continue to build a case as Cup favorite

TAMPA BAY, Florida - Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals overcame a major hurdle by reaching the NHL's Eastern Conference final.

Now, just like that, they're in a full-on sprint toward a Stanley Cup finish.

The Capitals scored in the opening minute of the game and twice in the last 62 seconds of the middle period on Sunday night to pull away to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a 2-0 lead in the East final.