Talk about anticlimactic: Crosby, Penguins chase Varlamov early, beat Capitals 6-2 in Game 7

WASHINGTON — For a guy who supposedly shies from the limelight, Sidney Crosby was as good as could be in the first Game 7 of his career.

Capitals replace rookie goalie Varlamov after falling behind 4-0 in 2nd period of Game 7

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals replaced rookie goaltender Simeon Varlamov with veteran Jose Theodore after falling behind 4-0 in the second period Wednesday night in Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Steckel’s OT goal wins it, Capitals force Game 7 by beating Penguins 5-4

PITTSBURGH — The Washington Capitals supposedly can’t win without Alex Ovechkin scoring. They can’t win an overtime playoff game. They can’t beat the Pittsburgh Penguins when a series is on the line.

Steckel’s OT goal wins it, Capitals force Game 7 by beating Penguins 5-4

PITTSBURGH — David Steckel scored on a deflection of Brooks Laich’s shot and the Washington Capitals finally won an overtime playoff game, beating nemesis Pittsburgh 5-4 on Monday night to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Malkin scores in OT as Penguins beat Capitals 4-3, take 3-2 series lead

WASHINGTON — When it comes to the Washington Capitals, the Pittsburgh Penguins excel at playing from behind. They’ve done it so well they finally have the lead.

Rising star: Malkin scores as Penguins beat Capitals 3-2 in OT to cut series deficit to 2-1

PITTSBURGH — For two memorable games, the Capitals-Penguins playoff matchup of the stars was controlled by one team and two players.

Ovechkin, Crosby both get hat tricks as Capitals beat Penguins 4-3 to take 2-0 series lead

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin got his first playoff hat trick. Sidney Crosby matched him, but his was too little, too late.

Unlikely star: Bradley scores 2, leads Capitals past Rangers, 4-0 in Game 5 to extend series

WASHINGTON — Thanks principally to Matt Bradley — yes, Matt Bradley, not Alex Ovechkin or another of Washington’s stars — the Capitals get to keep playing this season. Bradley scored his first two playoff goals, Ovechkin added a highlight-reel tally, rookie Simeon Varlamov posted his second shutout of the opening round, and the Capitals beat the New York Rangers 4-0 in Game 5 on Friday night to avoid elimination.

Decade-long battle to allow gay marriage in Conn. will end with governor’s expected signature

HARTFORD, Conn. — A decade-long battle for marriage equality in Connecticut ended when the General Assembly voted to update the state’s marriage laws to conform with a landmark court ruling allowing gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot.

French World Cupper Dhorasoo’s date with Indian street children

NEW DELHI - For kids like Ram Kewal, Raju, Anis, who have grown up living on the streets of Delhi, it was a special Saturday morning. Playing along side French World Cup footballer Vikash Dhorasso was something they never dreamt of, but it came true.

‘Gandhi’ caps loose their charm with new age politicians

LUCKNOW - The once famous ‘Gandhi’ cap, synonymous with politicians, is losing its charm as new age politicians abandon it for other modern and chic options.

Decision to stay at AC Milan saves Beckham’s World Cup dream

LONDON - The decision by David Beckham to stay at AC Milan may have cost him a cool two million pounds, but has saved his World Cup dream.

Nana Patekar’s fetish for skull caps

Actor Nana Patekar has developed a fancy for skull caps, so much so that he insisted that the director of his forthcoming film ‘Ek - The Power of One’ allow him to wear different skull caps in various scenes of the film.

Rowdy Indian fans head for Hamilton

HAMILTON - Hamilton’s Indian community is expected to turn out in force to vocally voice their support for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s boys during the fourth one day international to be played against the Black Caps at Seddon Park.

Troops enter Mullaitivu, LTTE’s last bastion

COLOMBO - Sri Lankan troops Sunday dealt a body blow to the Tamil Tigers as they overcame fierce resistance to enter the northern town of Mullaitivu, the last major rebel bastion, the army said.

Lukas Podolski heading back home to Cologne

HAMBURG - Lukas Podolski returns to Cologne in summer after three frustrating years at Bayern Munich where the Germany striker rarely showed his potential.

Mexican priest arrested for sexually abusing boys

VERACRUZ - The police in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz arrested a Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing boys at a church-run residential facility, EFE news agency reported Wednesday.