From the New York Post's Larry Brooks...

Yes, yes, it’s true. Despite having played on two Presidents’ Trophy winners and six division champions, Alex Ovechkin never has advanced to even the conference championship round during his 11 years as a Capital, but this dubious achievement now comes with a hashtag.

As in: #StupidUnfairPlayoffFormat.

Of course, no format can quite explain away how Washington — with Ovechkin, but three different head coaches (Bruce Boudreau, Adam Oates, Barry Trotz) — has lost five series with home-ice advantage and another while holding a 3-1 series lead since 2009.

Ovechkin may have outplayed Sidney Crosby this time, but the fact is even if the Great 8 was not the overriding problem, he was not the solution. Again.

He is a great athlete and a compelling one, but is it not fair to wonder when the best player in the league is going to be the best player in the playoffs, even once?

To those singing the “It wasn’t Ovechkin’s fault” chorus: Some of it kind of was.

Brooks continues, discussing the Sharks' rebuild-on-the-fly, Brian Boyle, the Rangers' coaching plans and the Florida Panthers' coaching and front office moves.