Capitals And Senators Win Openers – NHL Roundup For May 3rd

UNDATED (AP) — Alex Ovechkin's (oh-VECH'-kinz) franchise-record 31st career playoff goal got the Capitals started before less-heralded teammates Marcus Johansson and Jason Chimera scored 46 seconds apart, and Washington beat the New York Rangers 3-1 in Game 1 of their first-round series.

These teams have met in the playoffs three of the past four years with New York eliminating the Caps two of the three times.

Game 2 is Saturday in Washington.

In other first-round series openers:

__ Ottawa surprised Montreal with a 4-2 road victory despite being outshot 50-31. Craig Anderson made 48 saves in a spectacular night between the pipes for the Senators. Eric Karlsson had a goal and one assist. Neither team gets much rest before Game 2 scheduled for Friday night in Montreal. One player definitely out is Canadiens center Lars Eller. He suffered a concussion, plus facial and dental fractures on a hit from Ottawa defenseman Eric Gryba, who was tossed out of the game.

__ The defending Stanley Cup champion L.A. Kings are in an 0-2 hole against St. Louis. The Blues' Barret Jackman scored with 51 seconds left to give St. Louis a 2-1 victory. It was the defenseman's first career playoff goal. The series now moves to L.A. for the next two games.

__ Detroit is going home tied one game apiece with Anaheim. The Red Wings coughed up a 4-1 lead in the third period of regulation but recovered to beat the Ducks 5-4 in overtime. Gustav Nyquist's power-play goal at 1:21 of OT won it.

CHICAGO (AP) — Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom and defenseman Clayton Stoner did not practice on Thursday, increasing the possibility they will be unavailable for tonight's Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against Chicago. Wild forward Jason Pominville also missed Thursday's practice and will not travel to Chicago. He missed Game 1.

Coach Mike Yeo says if Backstrom is unable to go, Josh Harding will get the start in goal.

Blackhawks center Dave Bolland and goalie Ray Emery have been ruled out for Game 2 due to lower-body injuries.