Stanley Cup Game 1: How to watch and what to watch for

Five days after their Game 7 victory in the Eastern Conference Final, the Washington Capitals return to the ice for the biggest moment in franchise history.

The Capitals are in Las Vegas to kick off their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 20 years, against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Western Conference champions. Both teams seek their first Stanley Cup, but the Capitals are in their 43rd season, while the expansion Golden Knights, of course, are in their first.

Without further ado, here is everything you need to know and read before the puck drops on Game 1.

Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Date and Time: Monday, May 28, 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)

Television: NBC

Radio: FAN 106.7

Pre-game reading:

Washington in the throes of full-on ’Caps-mania’, by Matthew Paras

Capitals-Golden Knights series could be most expensive NHL final ever, by Matthew Paras

Fans storm Kettler Capitals Iceplex to see team practice before Stanley Cup Final, by Adam Zielonka

Alex Ovechkin closer than ever to quieting critics, by Matthew Paras

George McPhee has his fingerprints all over this Stanley Cup Final, by Thom Loverro

Capitals could spoil Vegas’ run, but don’t call them villains, by Adam Zielonka

Capitals win Game 7, advance to first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years, by Adam Zielonka

With contract expiring, Trotz ’probably going to benefit’ from playoff run, by Matthew Paras

What to watch for: In true Las Vegas fashion, the Stanley Cup Final will kick off with a free concert outside T-Mobile Arena, headlined by rapper Lil Jon, at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. … Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin are No. 1 and No. 2 in the NHL in points this postseason, with 24 and 22, respectively. Jonathan Marchessault leads the Golden Knights with 18, but Vegas has only had to play 15 games thus far … Marc-Andre Fleury, the Capitals’ old rival from his Pittsburgh Penguin days, has a .947 save percentage this postseason. That’s the best mark for any goalie who played at least eight games in one postseason. … Four of the top five hit leaders this postseason play for Washington: Tom Wilson (70), Alex Ovechkin (66), Devante Smith-Pelly (66) and Brooks Orpik (63). Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb has 64 hits.