For the first time since 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins are Eastern Conference Champions. They defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Thursday to earn a spot against the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 Stanley Cup Final.
During their playoff run, the Pens have exorcised several demons and overcame many challenges that have haunted them in recent years.
They ousted the New York Rangers, who ended their last two postseasons. They defeated their arch-rival and the President’s Trophy winners, the Washington Capitals. Finally, they defeated the defending conference champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.