WASHINGTON (AP) — Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and two assists, and Alex Ovechkin scored once, leading the Washington Capitals and fill-in goalie Philipp Grubauer past the New York Islanders 4-3 Friday night to even their first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

After Washington’s two stars — Ovechkin led the NHL in goals, Backstrom was No. 1 in assists — were reunited on the top line, both scored to erase a 3-1 deficit. Jason Chimera netted the go-ahead goal with 12 1/2 minutes left.



CANADIENS 3, SENATORS 2, OT

MONTREAL (AP) — Alex Galchenyuk scored on a spin-around shot 3:40 into overtime, leading Montreal past the Ottawa Senators and giving the Canadiens a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Max Pacioretty, back from a concussion that sidelined him in Game 1, and P.K. Subban scored in regulation for the Canadiens, while David Desharnais picked up an assist on each.



PREDATORS 6, BLACKHAWKS 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Craig Smith scored the first two playoff goals of his career and added an assist, and Nashville beat Chicago to tie the Western Conference opening-round playoff series at a game apiece.

The Predators won for the first time since clinching a postseason berth on March 28. Pekka Rinne made 24 saves for the win and even had an assist.



CANUCKS 4, FLAMES 1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Eddie Lack made 22 saves and Vancouver defeated Calgary to even the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Daniel Sedin, Chris Higgins, Ronalds Kenins and Radim Vrbata — into an empty net — scored for the Canucks, who snapped a seven-game losing streak at home in the playoffs dating to the 2011 Stanley Cup final.