Penguins beat Capitals to even series, but possibly lose Gonchar on hit by Ovechkin

PITTSBURGH — For two games, Alex Ovechkin hurt the Pittsburgh Penguins with his goals. Now, he’s hurting them with his hits. While the Washington star couldn’t prevent the Penguins from tying up the playoff series, he still managed to deal them a possible loss.

Rising star: Malkin scores as Penguins beat Capitals 3-2 in OT to cut series deficit to 2-1

PITTSBURGH — For two memorable games, the Capitals-Penguins playoff matchup of the stars was controlled by one team and two players.

Experience pays: Veteran Sergei Fedorov rescues nervous Caps in 2-1 win over Rangers in Game 7

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin and the rest of the young Washington Capitals stars were still trying to figure out how to win a Game 7, and it showed in a tentative performance that had the usually loyal red-clad home fans booing in the second period.

Underdog Ducks finish stunner, ousting top-seeded Sharks with 4-1 win in fight-filled Game 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks needed a gritty late-season surge just to make the playoffs, while the San Jose Sharks coasted in with the NHL’s best record and expectations of a long playoff run.