Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
Alex Ovechkin delivered another legendary moment, scoring his first career playoff overtime goal to lift the Capitals past the Canadiens in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Ovechkin also notched an assist and has now scored 74 career playoff goals, adding to his already iconic season in which he surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. Washington blew a 2-0 lead in the third period before rallying in OT on a setup from Anthony Beauvillier, who finished with a goal and an assist. Dylan Strome added three assists.
Montreal’s Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki scored off assists from Lane Hutson, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
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Kings 6, Oilers 5
In one of the wildest openers of the postseason, Phillip Danault’s second goal of the night with under a minute to go lifted Los Angeles to a chaotic Game 1 win over the Oilers.
The Kings led 4-0 late in the second and 5-2 in the third, but nearly gave it away before Danault’s winner. Andrei Kuzmenko and Adrian Kempe each tallied a goal and two assists. Connor McDavid led Edmonton with four points, including a goal, while Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry each had a goal and assist.
Expect sharp bettors to monitor live totals and puck line swings closely in this matchup — a perfect case study for Mastering the Ice: Understanding and Strategizing Puck Line Wagers in Hockey Betting.
Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT)
Colin Blackwell capped an epic night with a game-winner at 17:46 of overtime to help Dallas even their series with Colorado at one game apiece.
Evgenii Dadonov, Thomas Harley and Tyler Seguin scored in regulation for the Stars. Jake Oettinger was solid with 34 saves, while Sam Steel set up the OT goal. Colorado was led by Logan O’Connor’s goal and assist, with Nathan MacKinnon also finding the net. Mackenzie Blackwood made 35 saves for the Avs.
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Jets 2, Blues 1
Kyle Connor scored the game-winner in the third period for the second straight game to lift Winnipeg to a 2-0 series lead over St. Louis.
Mark Scheifele added a goal and an assist, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 21 shots for the Jets. Jimmy Snuggerud scored for the Blues, while Jordan Binnington kept them in it with 20 saves.
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