Locked in since January, path to Cup through East isn’t easy


              Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) and Evgeni Malkin (71) sit on the bench during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Pittsburgh, Friday, April 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
            
              Toronto Maple Leafs' Pierre Engvall (47) gives goalie Erik Kallgreen (50) a celebratory embrace after defeating the Boston Bruin in an NHL hockey game in Toronto, Friday, April 29, 2022. (Aaron Vincent Elkaim/The Canadian Press via AP)
            
              New York Rangers' Ryan Reaves (75) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
            
              Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) celebrates with defenseman Brett Pesce (22) after closing the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
            
              Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point, center, celebrates with center Steven Stamkos (91) and left wing Alex Killorn (17) after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Sunrise, Fla. The Lightning won 8-4. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
            
              Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart, center is congratulated by left wing Anthony Duclair (10) ands right wing Claude Giroux (28) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Sunrise, Fla. The Lightning won 8-4. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
            
              Boston Bruins left wing Taylor Hall, right, celebrates after his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
            
              Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) passes the puck against Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Locked in since January, path to Cup through East isn’t easy