The Real Eastern Conference Champs

A bizarre and humiliating story for the NHL. Somehow, the Capitals' team name was engraved on the Eastern Conference trophy, the Prince of Wales award. Worse, the NHL didn't catch it until a fan in Chicago noticed it during a fan event. Even worse, even after it was brought to their attention, the NHL denied the problem and called the fan's claim a "hoax." Turns out it was the NHL that was perpetrating a hoax by touting the Caps as the Eastern Conference champs on its second most important and recognizable trophy.

How in the world did the Caps' name wind up on the trophy? I could see Montreal's as the 2nd place finisher, but Washington? They got bounced in the first round.