Alexander Ovechkin wins Conn Smythe as Capitals win Stanley Cup

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the Conn Smythe Trophy after his team defeats the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the Conn Smythe Trophy after his team defeats the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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On Thursday night, the Washington Capitals won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Alexander Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as MVP of the NHL postseason.

This has to be one of the best moments in hockey to come around in forever.

Alexander Ovechkin, dogged and plagued for years with postseason debacles and heartbreaking defeats, has finally gotten what he so deserves: a championship ring with the Washington Capitals, who defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on Thursday in Game 5.

Without much surprise, he also won the Conn Smythe trophy, and it too is an honor long in the making. He was a force throughout these playoffs, scoring 15 goals with 27 points and helping to knock off the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins to even make it to the finals.

There was a slight debate on who may actually win the trophy, but that debate was mere fun and it was going to be Ovi all along if the Capitals could pull it off.

It’s fair to say there would be no justice in the NHL had Ovechkin gone his entire career without a Cup, or if the Cup had never seen his name etched upon it. No matter which team you love and root for, you have to feel good for this crazy dude who’s dazzled fans 13 long seasons.

Congratulations on the win, Ovechkin, as well as the Conn Smythe honors — and congratulations to the entirety of the Washington Capitals and their fanbase. What a season it’s been.

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