Nic Dowd scores on a deflection to give Washington a 1-0 lead in the East Division semifinals.

Michael Raffl scores the winning goal with 1.8 seconds left for the Caps, who meet the Bruins in the playoffs starting Saturday.

Zdeno Chara, who signed with Washington in the offseason after 14 years as captain in Boston, knows the Bruins about as well as anybody.

Boston clinches third place in the East Division and will play the Capitals after Taylor Hall scores two goals, the second one a nifty game-winner in overtime.

New York scores four times in the third period and slows Boston’s push for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

Jake DeBrusk is trying to break through as Boston gears up for the playoffs. “I’m just trying to stay positive, but the game’s not fun when you’re struggling, man.”

Former UMaine goalie Jeremy Swayman makes 15 saves as he improves his record to 7-2 and lowers his goals-against average to 1.44.

The Bruins lose a one-goal lead twice in the third period.

Boston is heading to the playoffs for the fifth straight season after beating New Jersey, 3-0.

Craig Smith scores three goals, all set up by David Krejci, in a 6-2 victory as Boston finishes the season series with a 7-1 record.