Not even the clock can stop Ovechkin from winning his first Stanley Cup

Jun 7, 2018, 8:39 PM | Updated: 9:02 pm

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

(AP Photo/John Locher)

BY HABOOB BLOG

Arizona Sports

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin withstood the test of time and won the Stanley Cup on Thursday.

Literally.

During the biggest minute of the entire 2017-18 season, the clock malfunctioned.

The Caps led the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 with less than two minutes left in the final period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup. Suddenly, the clock on the scoreboard and the TV froze.

The TV clock disappeared; play continued. Nobody knew how much time was left.

Eventually, there was a stoppage, and the refs paused to figure out the situation.

Twitter did not pause, though.

Pretty good time for a clock malfunction

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 8, 2018

THERE AREN’T ANY CLOCKS IN THE CASINOS EITHER, FOLKS

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) June 8, 2018

(Sorry, Vegas).

There was a clock malfunction here at T-Mobile on the jumbotron, Caps bench was going crazy…

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 8, 2018

Baseball Twitter got involved, too.

Whoa easy there hockey we’re the sport with no clock

— Cespedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) June 8, 2018

And no good story is complete without an Airplane! reference.

Vegas clock operator pic.twitter.com/VYAbuYzHVl

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) June 8, 2018

Follow @AZSports

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, warms up prior to Game 5 of the team's NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans gather outside Capital One Arena at a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Player family members, from left, Alexandra Marchessault and her daughter Victoria Marchessault, 2, watch players warm up, along with Victoria Fleury, 2, and Veronique Fleury prior to Game 5 of the team's NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. The child at center is unidentified. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb, right, looks at a young fan prior to Game 5 of the team's NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

An actor performs in a show prior to Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Members of the Vegas Golden Knights take the ice prior to Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Members of the Vegas Golden Knights line up for the national anthem prior to Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, tries to get a shot past Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky, left, collides with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Luca Sbisa during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson, left, collides with Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Colin Miller, left, moves the puck as Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly puts pressure on him during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb, top, tangles with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland, right, stops a shot with his stick as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, reaches in and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury defends during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans cheer during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, below, stops a shot as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, stands next to him during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury deflects a shot during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans gather outside Capital One Arena at a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, left, and defenseman Nate Schmidt defend their goal during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (Harry How/Pool via AP)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, right, defects a shot as defenseman Deryk Engelland, left, watches along with Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier, right, falls as he tries to shoot while under pressure from Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos, center, while Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby sits in goal during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier, upper right, falls as he tries to shoot while under pressure from Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos, upper left, of Sweden, while Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, left, sits in goal and Golden Knights left wing Tomas Nosek watches during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov, second from left, collides with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (41), while goaltender Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby and defenseman Matt Niskanen look for the puck during the first period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fans attend a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, left, scores past Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, right, celebrates after scoring past Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, left, as defenseman Brayden McNabb skates between them during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans react to a goal by Washington Capitals' Jakub Vrana during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, of the Czech Republic, celebrates his goal during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans at a viewing party react to a goal by Washington Capitals' Jakub Vrana during Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Fans react to a goal by Washington Capitals' Jakub Vrana, during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, center, celebrates his goal with right wing Tom Wilson, left, and center Evgeny Kuznetsov during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, celebrates his goal with right wing T.J. Oshie during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, left, is scored on by after a puck was deflected off of a skate during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt, not seen, was credited with the goal. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans react at a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, left, gives up a goal to Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron, right, during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Tatar, right, of Slovakia, celebrates a goal by left wing David Perron as Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, left, lies on the ice during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron celebrates his goal during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, left, scores on Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron, left, scores on Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, right, as he is pushed into the goal by defenseman Christian Djoos during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson, right, is tripped up by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin as he tries to shoot during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Tatar, right, celebrates a goal by left wing David Perron with center Cody Eakin during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, left, and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch tussle during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, right, celebrates his goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (Harry How/Pool via AP)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron, center, tussles with Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos, right, before scoring on Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (Harry How/Pool via AP)

Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana, center, scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, top, as defenseman Brayden McNabb trails during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, top center, flops as he tries to stop a shot during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson, left, celebrates a goal by defenseman Nate Schmidt as Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov skates past during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (Harry How/Pool via AP)

Spectators react after a goal by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly, left, celebrates his goal, in front of center Chandler Stephenson during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly, left, scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20) scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, front, while under pressure from defenseman Luca Sbisa during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals center Lars Eller, right, celebrates his goal as Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier skates away during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans watch the big screen during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Fans react during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Members of the Washington Capitals celebrate as they defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals to win the Stanley Cup Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans celebrate during a viewing party for Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, celebrates as the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals to win the Stanley Cup Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Members of the Washington Capitals celebrate as Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron skates away as the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals to win the Stanley Cup Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch, right, consoles left wing Erik Haula after they lost to the Washington Capitals 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, hoists the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals team owner Ted Leonsis hoists the Stanley Cup after after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, kisses the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Washington Capitals pose with the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A Washington Capitals fan holds a sign in the streets outside Capital One Arena in Washington after Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas, Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Capitals won the Stanley Cup. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals fans celebrate in the streets outside Capital One Arena after Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas, Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Washington. The Capitals won the Stanley Cup with a 4-3 win Thursday night. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals fans clog the streets outside Capital One Arena in Washington after Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final between the Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas, Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Capitals won the Stanley Cup. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, right, of Sweden, carries the Stanley Cup as he skates with left wing Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, right, of Russia, celebrates as he takes the Stanley Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

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