WASHINGTON, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged the Washington Capitals to come to the White House to celebrate their Stanley Cup championship but said the winner of the National Basketball Association title would not be invited.

Trump issued his invitation and snub amid a divisive controversy that resulted in the Philadelphia Eagles, winners of the National Football League's Super Bowl this year, not making the trip to see the president that championship teams traditionally make.

Only a few members of the Eagles planned to attend the Tuesday event so Trump, who has lashed out at NFL players who kneel in protest during the national anthem before games, disinvited them. No Eagles took part in last season's kneeling demonstrations, which began as a way for black players to protest police treatment of minorities.

Trump's attacks on kneeling football players always draw applause at his rallies and he has urged fans to leave a game if they see a player kneeling. A new NFL policy announced last month allows dissenting players to stay in the locker room during the national anthem but Trump said "maybe they shouldn't be in the country."

Washington's hockey team won the NHL championship on Thursday night with a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights - its first title in the team's 44-year history.

"I think we'll have the Caps ... We'll see," Trump told reporters at the White House, naming other championship teams that have previously visited him. "If they want to be here, it's the greatest place on Earth. I'm here. If they don't want to be here, I don't want them."

The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers currently are playing for the NBA's championship but Trump said on Friday the winner would not be coming to the White House. The Warriors won last year's title but Trump revoked their invitation after one of their star players, Stephen Curry, said he would vote against visiting Trump.

Curry and the Cavaliers' top player, LeBron James, already have said they would not want to make the White House trip this year.

"We're not going to invite either team," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Trump had "made it pretty clear he´s going to try to divide us ... for political gain."

Trump earlier praised the Capitals in a post on Twitter, citing Alex Ovechkin, the team's Russian-born star, who last year started what he called a "social movement" called PutinTeam to support Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Congratulations to the Washington Capitals on their GREAT play and winning the Stanley Cup Championship. Alex Ovechkin, the team captain, was spectacular - a true Superstar! D.C. is popping, in many ways. What a time!" (Reporting by Susan Heavey and James Oliphant Editing by Bill Trott)</s>House Republican leaders will meet Thursday in an attempt to find a compromise on immigration legislation that meets the needs of both conservatives who want to crack down on illegal immigration, as well as moderates aiming to support DREAMers — undocumented immigrants brought into the United States as children. The meeting will attempt to earn support from GOP moderates who have been working with Democrats to force a vote on an immigration plan they support. "We’re still not in a situation where there’s agreement," Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said after Wednesday's talks, according to The Associated Press. While Democrats have attempted to force a vote on DREAMers legislation previously, they don't have the House or Senate control to do so.

NASA to release Curiosity Rover results from the Red Planet

In a live-stream Thursday, NASA will host a discussion on new science results from its Mars Curiosity Rover that has been collecting data on the Red Planet since August 2012. While the results are being held until the live discussion, which will be hosted on NASA television and its website, curious space and Mars enthusiasts can send questions on social media using #askNASA. The Curiosity Rover has been investigating various rock layers on Mars to better understand why the planet turned from wet and warm to dry and rocky. According to NASA, the Curiosity is the "largest and most capable" rover ever to make contact with Mars. The live discussion will begin at 2 p.m. ET.

Nearly a month after the Supreme Court struck down a ban on sports betting in a landmark ruling, New Jersey lawmakers are set to pass a final bill regulating sports betting at casinos and racetracks online. From there, the bill will move to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk for approval or veto. The move comes only a few days after Delaware legalized the practice, as well as a years-long lawsuit that overturned a 1992 federal prohibition on sports wagering by the Supreme Court. The legislation may take a few days to be reviewed by Murphy and his team, his spokesperson said, adding the governor is looking forward to enacting the sports betting law.

A bill to legalize marijuana in Canada faces its last major legislative hurdle Thursday — Canada's Senate is expected to give the OK to a sweeping legalization measure following years of quiet study and discussion. Once approved by the House, which has already passed a version of the plan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government expects to launch legal sales in as soon as 10 to 12 weeks. Experts say recreational marijuana sales in Canada could be worth $3.3 billion by 2027, in part because businesses will find it easier to work nationally, instead of piecemeal like in the United States.

The Washington Capitals are just one win away from claiming the first Stanley Cup title in their 44-year history and erasing decades of franchise heartbreak. The Caps are riding high after taking a 3-1 series lead with a crushing 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4. Teams that hold a 3-1 lead in the final are 32-1 since the league went to a best-of-seven format in 1939. But Game 5 on Thursday will be in Las Vegas, ground zero for the Golden Knights' miraculous expansion-team dream season. Remember, Vegas had 500-1 odds to win the Cup at the start of the season. Here's a five-step plan for the Golden Knights to get back on track.</s>Immigration protest at U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., as Congress fails to meet deadline for DACA deal, March 5, 2018.

House Republican leaders will meet Thursday in an attempt to find a compromise on immigration legislation that meets the needs of both conservatives who want to crack down on illegal immigration, as well as moderates aiming to support DREAMers — undocumented immigrants brought into the United States as children. The meeting will attempt to earn support from GOP moderates who have been working with Democrats to force a vote on an immigration plan they support. "We’re still not in a situation where there’s agreement," Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said after Wednesday's talks, according to The Associated Press. While Democrats have attempted to force a vote on DREAMers legislation previously, they don't have the House or Senate control to do so.

NASA to release Curiosity Rover results from the Red Planet

In a live-stream Thursday, NASA will host a discussion on new science results from its Mars Curiosity Rover that has been collecting data on the Red Planet since August 2012. While the results are being held until the live discussion, which will be hosted on NASA television and its website, curious space and Mars enthusiasts can send questions on social media using #askNASA. The Curiosity Rover has been investigating various rock layers on Mars to better understand why the planet turned from wet and warm to dry and rocky. According to NASA, the Curiosity is the "largest and most capable" rover ever to make contact with Mars. The live discussion will begin at 2 p.m. ET.

Nearly a month after the Supreme Court struck down a ban on sports betting in a landmark ruling, New Jersey lawmakers are set to pass a final bill regulating sports betting at casinos and racetracks online. From there, the bill will move to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk for approval or veto. The move comes only a few days after Delaware legalized the practice, as well as a years-long lawsuit that overturned a 1992 federal prohibition on sports wagering by the Supreme Court. The legislation may take a few days to be reviewed by Murphy and his team, his spokesperson said, adding the governor is looking forward to enacting the sports betting law.

A bill to legalize marijuana in Canada faces its last major legislative hurdle Thursday — Canada's Senate is expected to give the OK to a sweeping legalization measure following years of quiet study and discussion. Once approved by the House, which has already passed a version of the plan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government expects to launch legal sales in as soon as 10 to 12 weeks. Experts say recreational marijuana sales in Canada could be worth $3.3 billion by 2027, in part because businesses will find it easier to work nationally, instead of piecemeal like in the United States.

The Washington Capitals are just one win away from claiming the first Stanley Cup title in their 44-year history and erasing decades of franchise heartbreak. The Caps are riding high after taking a 3-1 series lead with a crushing 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4. Teams that hold a 3-1 lead in the final are 32-1 since the league went to a best-of-seven format in 1939. But Game 5 on Thursday will be in Las Vegas, ground zero for the Golden Knights' miraculous expansion-team dream season. Remember, Vegas had 500-1 odds to win the Cup at the start of the season. Here's a five-step plan for the Golden Knights to get back on track.</s>House Republican leaders will meet Thursday in an attempt to find a compromise on immigration legislation that meets the needs of both conservatives who want to crack down on illegal immigration, as well as moderates aiming to support DREAMers — undocumented immigrants brought into the United States as children. The meeting will attempt to earn support from GOP moderates who have been working with Democrats to force a vote on an immigration plan they support. "We’re still not in a situation where there’s agreement," Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said after Wednesday's talks, according to The Associated Press. While Democrats have attempted to force a vote on DREAMers legislation previously, they don't have the House or Senate control to do so.

NASA to release Curiosity Rover results from the Red Planet

In a live-stream Thursday, NASA will host a discussion on new science results from its Mars Curiosity Rover that has been collecting data on the Red Planet since August 2012. While the results are being held until the live discussion, which will be hosted on NASA television and its website, curious space and Mars enthusiasts can send questions on social media using #askNASA. The Curiosity Rover has been investigating various rock layers on Mars to better understand why the planet turned from wet and warm to dry and rocky. According to NASA, the Curiosity is the "largest and most capable" rover ever to make contact with Mars. The live discussion will begin at 2 p.m. ET.

Nearly a month after the Supreme Court struck down a ban on sports betting in a landmark ruling, New Jersey lawmakers are set to pass a final bill regulating sports betting at casinos and racetracks online. From there, the bill will move to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk for approval or veto. The move comes only a few days after Delaware legalized the practice, as well as a years-long lawsuit that overturned a 1992 federal prohibition on sports wagering by the Supreme Court. The legislation may take a few days to be reviewed by Murphy and his team, his spokesperson said, adding the governor is looking forward to enacting the sports betting law.

A bill to legalize marijuana in Canada faces its last major legislative hurdle Thursday — Canada's Senate is expected to give the OK to a sweeping legalization measure following years of quiet study and discussion. Once approved by the House, which has already passed a version of the plan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government expects to launch legal sales in as soon as 10 to 12 weeks. Experts say recreational marijuana sales in Canada could be worth $3.3 billion by 2027, in part because businesses will find it easier to work nationally, instead of piecemeal like in the United States.

The Washington Capitals are just one win away from claiming the first Stanley Cup title in their 44-year history and erasing decades of franchise heartbreak. The Caps are riding high after taking a 3-1 series lead with a crushing 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4. Teams that hold a 3-1 lead in the final are 32-1 since the league went to a best-of-seven format in 1939. But Game 5 on Thursday will be in Las Vegas, ground zero for the Golden Knights' miraculous expansion-team dream season. Remember, Vegas had 500-1 odds to win the Cup at the start of the season. Here's a five-step plan for the Golden Knights to get back on track.</s>The Washington Capitals, for the first time in their 44 years of existence, are Stanley Cup champions.

Devante Smith-Pelly and Lars Eller scored in the third period of Game 5 to propel the Capitals to a clinching 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Washington won the series and Alex Ovechkin, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP, cemented his place in hockey history.

Vegas rebounded from its Game 4 loss coming out with nothing else to lose. Coach Gerard Gallant chose to pair Nate Schmidt and Shea Theodore on defense while taking out Ryan Reaves and Ryan Carpenter in favor of David Perron and William Carrier. The moves paid dividends for the Golden Knights as Schmidt and Perron recorded their first goals of the series.

GOLDEN STANDARD

How Vegas became the most successful expansion team in sports history

Reilly Smith's power-play tally with less than a minute left in the second period gave the Golden Knights their first lead of the game. The Capitals entered the third period trailing by a goal and facing the grim possibility of heading back to Capital One Arena for Game 6.

CAPS WIN THE CUP: Get championship gear

Washington's depth, again, was its saving grace in Game 5 as Smith-Pelly and Eller stepped up.

Sporting News provided updates throughout Game 5 (All times Eastern).

SN LOOKS BACK: Alex Ovechkin's career-defining moments

Third period

11:06 — The Washington Capitals are Stanley Cup champions.

11:01 — Icing after icing. Fleury is pulled, Vegas opts for the extra attacker.

10:55 — Under four minutes remaining in the game.

10:51 — Vegas is about to send everything including the kitchen sink and more in these last few minutes. Capitals have doubled Vega's shots on goal in the third. Can Holtby withstand the upcoming surge?

10:47 — It is bedlam in Washington! Brett Connolly's shot didn't go through but Lars Eller puts the loose puck away. Assisted by Connolly and Burakovsky. Capitals lead 4-3.

Lars Eller puts the Caps up 4-3! Washington is seven minutes away! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/1Ws9LcFX5l — Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 8, 2018

10:41 — Brooks Orpik keeps the puck in the zone by inches, Devante Smith-Pelly converts on the Caps ninth shot of the period. Tie 3-3.

What a big-time goal from Devante Smith-Pelly pic.twitter.com/LqeCfrnDVv — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 8, 2018

10:39 — We've reached the midway point of the period. Washington's eight shots outshoots Vegas' two.

10:32 — Washington manages one shot on the power play. Vegas maintains the one-goal lead.

10:29 — Tatar heads to the penalty box for hooking Lars Eller. Washington heads to its fourth power play, hoping to tie the game.

10:25 — 2:50 into the period and both teams combined for six shots. Those at T-Mobile Arena are on the edge of their seats.

10:21 — Let's see what the third period has in store for us, shall we? Puck has been dropped.

Second period

10:03 — We can all relax after that period.

9:56 — Reilly Smith converts on the power play. Golden Knights lead 3-2.

9:54 — Alex Ovechkin trips Karlsson. Vegas headed to its second power play of the game.

9:52 — Washington hit the post again! Chandler Stephenson, this time, beats Fleury but not the post behind him.

9:50 — Immensely even matchup right now. Washington leads 17-15 in shots, but both teams exchanging scoring chances.

9:43 — After review, officials determined David Perron didn't interfere with Holtby. Tie game 2-2.

After review, Tomas Tatar scores to tie the game up. Agree with the decision? #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/KddwtuuugE — Sporting News Canada (@sportingnewsca) June 8, 2018

9:41 — Tomas Tatar redirects the shot, but Washington challenges for goaltender interference.

9:39 — Unlike the first period, the second period is abundant with scoring chances.

9:34 — Brayden McNabb trips Alex Ovechkin, who proceeds to score as Marchessault's goal was being announced. Capitals lead 2-1.

9:33 — Nate Schmidt is credited with Vegas' goal and we have a tie game! Golden Knights tie 1-1.

9:30 — Capitals crash the net, Fleury was on his back but the puck stayed out. Colin Miller cleared the zone.

9:25 — After Deryk Engelland's near miss, Jakub Vrana breaks in alone on Fleury and beats him glove side. Assisted by Wilson and Kuznetsov. Capitals lead 1-0.

9:22 — Washington's sensational penalty kill comes through. Vegas is unable to score on the power play due.

9:20 — It's Vegas' turn on the power play. Christian Djoos receives two minutes for high-sticking. The Golden Knights will have their best opportunity to get on the board.

9:18 — Kuznetsov cannot deflect the shot high enough, as Fleury gloves Washington's shot. Tomas Nosek stands in the way of Ovechkin's slap shot and the Golden Knights prevent any damage on the Capitals' power play.

9:16 — Oshie draws a tripping penalty on Shea Theodore. Washington heads to its second power play of the game.

9:15 — We're back for the second period. Who will get the first goal? It's anybody's guess at this point.

First period

8:56 — Well, that was quite an eventful period. Vegas and Washington, nevertheless, end the first period scoreless. Washington leads 10-7 in shots.

8:51 — Devante Smith-Pelly is unable to corral the puck on a breakaway as Fleury swatted it away.

8:44 — Ovechkin's shot rings off the post as Vegas fans collectively catch their breath. The Golden Knights kill off Washington's man advantage.

Alex Ovechkin was so close #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/mqVz4MZMQv — Sporting News Canada (@sportingnewsca) June 8, 2018

8:41 — Washington heads to its first power play of the night. Colin Miller called for interference.

8:40 — Shea Theodore is surely redeeming himself tonight. After rough Games 3 and 4, Theodore nearly puts Vegas on the board.

8:38 — T.J. Oshie finds Fleury out of position. As he attempts to find an open lane, Vegas clears the puck out of the zone and survives the latest threat of the Capitals' offense.

8:31 — The Golden Knights are starting to come alive. Despite being held without a shot for nearly the first five minutes, Vegas' three shots pull even with Washington.

8:28 — Tom Wilson lays a hard hit on William Karlsson, but Vegas' Reilly Smith is rejected by Braden Holtby five minutes into the period. Karlsson took a bit to head back to Vegas' bench. Wilson is taking advantage of the lack of Reaves in the lineup, meaning an extremely physical game coming for Wilson.

8:24 — Ovechkin has the Capitals' first shot on net 1:15 into the game. Fleury immediately covers the puck. Both fanbases represented well tonight.

8:23 — Here we go. Game 5 is underway.

Pregame

8:08 — Panic! at the Disco just wrapped up. Almost time for the National Anthem . . . then it's puck-drop! In the meantime, enjoy Alex Ovechkin and Marc-Andre Fleury's exchange during warm-ups.

Alex Ovechkin vs. Marc-Andre Fleury in warmups pic.twitter.com/p4pW4XYN7V — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) June 8, 2018

7:44 — Both team have taken the ice for warm-ups. Ryan Reaves and Ryan Carpenter will not play tonight. William Carrier and David Perron check in.

6:30 — All the way over on the east coast, Caps fans are filling up Capital One Arena ahead of Game 5.

Noon — Despite trailing 3-1 in the series, Vegas' fans show their full support at today's optional skate.

11 a.m. — Capitals fan or not, check out the immaculate job Washington's digital staff did with their hype video.</s>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup title, beating Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5.</s>(Stephen MacGillivray/The Canadian Press via AP, File). FILE - In this June 22, 2017, file photo, Willie O'Ree, known best for being the first black player in the National Hockey League, poses for a photo at the Willie O'Ree Place in Fredericton, New B...

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Latest from Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights (all times local):

The Washington Capitals have won their first Stanley Cup championship, beating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

Lars Eller scored with 7:37 left, giving the Capitals a 4-3 lead and they hung on after Vegas pulled goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for the extra skater.

It is the first championship for the Capitals, who began play in 1974.

The Golden Knights wrap up a storybook year, advancing all the way to the final in their first year of existence.

Washington has moved a big step toward its first Stanley Cup.

Lars Eller scored with 7:37 left, giving the Capitals a 4-3 lead against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Washington went into the third trailing 3-2 and went ahead after Devante Smith-Pelly and Eller scored 2:31 apart midway through the final period.

The Capitals are up 3-1 in the series, a win away from their first NHL championship in franchise history.

Devante Smith-Pelly has pulled Washington into a 3-3 tie with Vegas midway through the third period in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Brooks Orpik sent the puck toward the net, it went off Smith-Pelly's left skate to help him corral it and he sent a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury as he fell to the ice.

Smith-Pelly has seven goals this postseason, matching his total during the regular seasons. He was relegated to signing a two-way contract with the Capitals entering the season and earned a spot in the lineup 75 times during the regular season. He scored in Game 4, too, also collecting the puck off a skate before his shot.

Washington has a 3-1 series lead and is looking for its first Stanley Cup championship. If Vegas holds on, Game 6 in Washington will be Sunday night.

The Vegas Golden Knights are 10-0 this postseason when leading after two periods, as they do 3-2 against Washington in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The Capitals have lost four of the six games they've played this postseason when trailing after the second period.

Washington has a 3-1 series lead and is looking for its first Stanley Cup championship. If Vegas holds on, Game 6 in Washington will be Sunday night.

The Vegas Golden Knights are 20 minutes away from forcing Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas leads Washington 3-2 going into the third period after the two teams combined for five goals in a wild second period. There were lead changes, a coach's challenge, fights and power plays as the teams picked up the pace following a goal-less opening period.

Reilly Smith gave Vegas the lead, shooting into an open net off a fantastic pass from Alex Tuch with 28.2 seconds left in the second period.

The Golden Knights didn't get to celebrate very long because there was a lot of pushing, shoving and face-washing behind the net right after the go-ahead goal.

Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 18 shots through two periods and Braden Holtby made 17 saves for the Capitals.

A win would give the Capitals the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The expansion Golden Knights are hoping to extend their stunning, record-breaking season.

Washington and Vegas are tied 2-2 late in a wild second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

After no goals in the opening period, the offenses got rolling and then some with four goals in a heart-pounding 6:32 stretch.

Washington's Jakub Vrana opened the flurry with a goal 6:24 into the second, rifling a shot over the glove of Marc-Andre Fleury.

Alex Ovechkin put the Capitals ahead 2-1 on a power play just 34 seconds after Vegas' Nate Schmidt was credited with a goal that went off Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen's skate.

David Perron pulled Vegas into the second tie of the period. The goal stood after a coach's challenge, a move Washington had to try because Braden Holtby was trying to make a save while two players were wrestling in the crease.

Washington has a 3-1 series lead, one win away from the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Washington has taken a 1-0 lead in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against Vegas.

Jakub Vrana got behind the Golden Knights' defense and took advantage of the time and space, scoring from the inside of the left circle 6:24 into the second period. He beat Marc-Andre Fleury on his glove side, sending the puck over his left elbow and into the net.

The Caps have a 3-1 series lead and are trying to clinch their first championship in 43 seasons.

The Golden Knights have scored only five goals in losing the last three games and are having trouble finding much space again against the Washington defense and goaltender Braden Holtby.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is defending the expansion draft that loaded first-year franchise Vegas with talent.

The Golden Knights were the surprise of the NHL this season, winning the Pacific Division and rolling all the way to the Stanley Cup Final against Washington. Critics have suggested the expansion draft was too generous for the new franchise, which saw strong play from veterans including goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal and others.

Bettman was asked about it during an NBC interview during the first intermission of Game 5 and said the league's "competitive balance shows anything is possible." He noted the turnaround seasons this year by Colorado and New Jersey.

Said Bettman: "If you're passionate about your team, you have hope for every season."

The Washington Capitals are outshooting the Vegas Golden Knights so far but the teams are tied 0-0 after the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Final.

It marked the third scoreless period of the series.

Braden Holtby had to make just seven saves for the Capitals. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 10 shots for the Golden Knights, who face elimination.

Washington leads the series 3-1, one win away from the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Hits are outnumbering shots so far through a scoreless first period in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Washington and Vegas combined for just seven shots while landing a total of 19 hits in the early going. The Capitals had blocked four shots while the Golden Knights blocked a pair of pucks before a shot even got to Marc-Andre Fleury.

Washington came up empty on a power play, though Alex Ovechkin rang a shot off the post.

Washington is up 3-1, a win away from its first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final is under way in Las Vegas.

With the Golden Knights scoring only five goals in the previous three games of the Stanley Cup Final, Vegas coach Gerard Gallant shook up his lineup.

Veteran forwards Ryan Reaves and Ryan Carpenter were scratched, while William Carrier and David Perron were in uniform. Carrier hadn't played since Game 5 of the second round against San Jose, missing 10 straight games. Perron played in the Final's first three games before sitting out Game 4.

The Caps have a 3-1 series lead and are trying to clinch their first championship in 43 seasons.

Washington star Alex Ovechkin skated onto the Vegas side of the rink during pregame warmups, narrowly avoiding Marc-Andre Fleury as the goaltender was stretching along the boards before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The goaltender skated across the red line and toward the Washington superstar before retreating back to his side. Later, though, Fleury got even by slashing Ovechkin's legs as they skated past each other.

Earlier in the series, the veterans acted like kids squirting water on each other's side of the red line.

The Caps have a 3-1 series lead and are trying to clinch their first championship in 43 NHL seasons.

Hundreds of fans braved 97-degree heat and assembled again in the plaza directly outside T-Mobile Arena several hours before Vegas hosted Washington in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

As game time approached, the crowd got larger as it swelled with fans without tickets. A majority of the crowd was wearing Golden Knights garb, but the sea of people included a large portion of red-clad Washington Capitals fans occasionally chanting "We want the Cup!"

The Caps have a 3-1 series lead and are trying to clinch their first championship in 43 NHL seasons.

The Washington Capitals are on the brink of raising the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.

Alex Ovechkin and his Caps are taking the ice for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final with a 3-1 series lead after three consecutive victories over the Vegas Golden Knights.

While past Washington teams have a long history of struggles in closeout games, these Caps have won all three of their potential closeout games. If they can do it again, the Caps will clinch the first championship in 43 NHL seasons for a franchise that began play in 1974.

The Knights have never lost four consecutive games in their inaugural season. They won the Final opener, but have been outscored 12-5 since.

Willie O'Ree, the first black NHL player, says the player who wins the award named in his honor will have displayed hockey and life skills.

The NHL will give the first Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award later this month in Las Vegas. O'Ree broke the league's color barrier 60 years ago with the Boston Bruins and overcame blindness in his right eye.

O'Ree spoke ahead of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, where Washington took a 3-1 lead on the road to Las Vegas.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>LAS VEGAS — Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup title, beating Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>Washington Capitals Hoist First Stanley Cup After Dramatic Win Over Vegas

Washington, D.C., has had, by some measures, among the most miserable sports fans in the United States. The city ended a quarter-century of futility Thursday night as the Washington Capitals beat the Las Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 to win the NHL's Stanley Cup.

The Capitals' first championship is the city's first in one of the country's big four professional sports leagues since the NFL's Redskins won the Super Bowl in 1992. Thursday also marked the 40th anniversary of the Washington Wizards' only NBA title.

The Capitals win also stops short the Las Vegas' stunning run to the Stanley Cup Finals. An expansion team, the Golden Knights didn't exist 14 months ago. After the game, league commissioner Gary Bettman Las Vegas' home crowd it was "the best first year any team has ever had."

Capitals' superstar Alex Ovechkin — awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as the best player in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs — scored his league-leading 15th goal of the playoffs in the second period, Devante Smith-Pelly scored his third goal of the series while falling to the ice to tie the game 3-3, and Lars Eller put Washington ahead for good with 7:37 to go when he hammered home a puck that had snuck behind Golden Knights' goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

"It means everything," Eller told The Associated Press. "You couldn't write the story better.

Goalie Braden Holtby stopped 28 of 31 shots against him, including three of four attempts during power plays.

Reilly Smith led the Golden Knights with a power play goal, his fifth of the playoffs, and an assist. Fleury, long one of the top goalies in the league, stopped 29 of 33 shots, making several acrobatic saves.</s>After decades of heartbreak, the Washington Capitals are finally celebrating a championship.

The Capitals on Thursday night won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5.

Washington entered the third period in Las Vegas down 3-2, but a pair of unanswered goals in the final period...
In ice hockey, the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4–1 in the finals.