Rangers Defeat Capitals to Lead NHL Playoff Series 3-2 in Games

The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in overtime to lead their National Hockey League playoff series by three games to two.

Anton Stralman gave New York the lead midway through the first period at Madison Square Garden in New York. Brooks Laich tied it eight minutes, 15 seconds into the second period and John Carlson put the Capitals ahead on a power play 4:20 into the third.

Washington’s Joel Ward was given a four-minute penalty for a high stick with 22 seconds remaining. New York, who pulled goaltender Henrik Lundqvist as they sought the tying goal, forced overtime with eight seconds remaining as Brad Richards slid the puck under Capitals keeper Braden Holtby.

Marc Staal sealed the win for the Rangers on a power play 1:35 into overtime.

The teams return to Washington for Game 6 in the best-of- seven series on May 9. A decider, if needed, will be played three days later in New York.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Dex McLuskey at dmcluskey@bloomberg.net