COLORADO 4 – St. Louis 1… Nathan MacKinnon netted a tie-breaking goal 30 seconds into the third period and added an empty-netter to lead the Avalanche past the Blues in the opener of the West Division first-round series. Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and two assists. Game 2 is tomorrow in Denver.
Boston 4 – WASHINGTON 3… Brad Marchand found the net 39 seconds into overtime to send the Bruins past the Capitals and tie the East Division first-round series at a game apiece. Taylor Hall netted a tying goal with 2:49 left in regulation. Game 3 is tomorrow in Boston.
CAROLINA 5 – Nashville 2… The Hurricanes scored three unanswered goals in the third period to put away the Predators in the Central Division first-round opener. Jordan Staal scored two goals. Brett Pesce had two assists. Carolina hosts Game 2 tomorrow.