National Hockey

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning know the grind.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The crew of castoffs that carried the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to a division title and two rounds of playoffs wins in a reality-defying season are more than just a feel-good story.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Shortly after the San Jose Sharks were denied by the iron for the fourth time of the night, Marc-Andre Fleury rubbed the goal post to thank it for his good fortune.

SAN JOSE, Calif.

TAMPA, Fla. — Brayden Point and J.T. Miller scored second-period goals, helping the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Boston Bruins 3-1 Sunday and advance to the Eastern Conference final for the third time in four years.

PITTSBURGH — The Washington Capitals don't need a history lesson. Neither do the Winnipeg Jets for that matter.

The Winnipeg Jets are hoping to avoid the distractions that come with being one win away from making the first conference final in the city's history. "I'm not going to do much grocery shopping," captain Blake Wheeler joked.

WASHINGTON — Jakub Vrana scored the go-ahead goal with 4:38 remaining, Braden Holtby made 35 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 in Game 5 Saturday night to take a 3-2 lead in the second-round series and put the back-to

NASHVILLE — Kyle Connor scored the first two playoff goals of his career and added an assist as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Nashville Predators 6-2 on Saturday night to take a 3-2 lead in their second-round playoff series.

WASHINGTON — Jakub Vrana came to the rink expecting to play on the Capitals' third line again. He left as a top-liner on top of the world.