Backs Against the Wall

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rookie Andre Burakovsky scored his first two playoff goals and Braden Holtby saved a penalty shot, giving the Washington Capitals a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Burakovsky tied the game in the second period, then put Washington ahead 24 seconds into the third.

With 12 minutes left in regulation, Holtby — who finished with 28 saves — flicked his glove to catch Carl Hagelin's penalty shot and preserve the lead.

The Capitals can close out the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers in the best-of-seven series and advance to the conference finals for the first time in Alex Ovechkin's career by taking Game 5 in New York on Friday night.