The wait is over, the NHL final has begun, and although both teams are looking for their first Stanley Cup, their situations differ quite a bit.

The Washington Capitals, who are in their 43rd season and have only appeared in one previous final where they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings, are hoping to finally win a Stanley Cup after not appearing in a final for the last 20 years. The Capitals are hoping to bounce back after a close loss to the Knights in game 1 but shouldn’t be too worried. The Capitals played well but have a lot of room to improve. The Capitals goalie, who struggled in game 1 due to “rust”,  should have a much better game 2. Another large problem in game 1 was that Capitals star, Alex Ovechkin, was unable to do much other than an assist to Tom Wilson in the third period.The Capitals will need more production out of Ovechkin if they hope to win this series.

On the other side, the Las Vegas Golden Knights are trying to defy the odds as they are in their inaugural season and were given a 500-1 chance to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season. The Knights looked good in game one as they shut down Alex Ovechkin and forced the Capitals to look elsewhere for scoring. The Knights will have to continue their good defense on Ovechkin but will need more out of their middle six, who offensively struggled in game 1. Other than their middle six struggling offensively, the Knights looked like a force in game 1, taking the lead from the Capitals every time they scored.

Remaining Games:

Wednesday, May 30: Capitals at Knights, Game 2

Saturday,June 2: Knights at Capitals, Game 3

Monday,June 4: Knights at Capitals, Game 4

Thursday,June 7: Capitals at Knights, Game 5 (If Necessary)

Sunday,June 10: Knights at Capitals, Game 6 (If Necessary)

Wednesday,June 13: Capitals at Knights, Game 7 (If Necessary)