NHL Playoff Capsules

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Derek Stepan and Arron Asham both scored tiebreaking goals in the third period for the New York Rangers in a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3 on Monday night.

The Rangers finally found their offence and got back into their first-round playoff series. New York still trails 2-1 in the Eastern Conference series, with Game 4 here Wednesday night.

Stepan gave the Rangers the lead for good with 6:25 remaining when he deftly tipped in a pass in front from Rick Nash. Asham had put New York in front 3-2 at 2:53, but Jay Beagle got the Capitals even again 4:26 later.

Derick Brassard had a goal and two assists for the Rangers, who managed only one goal in the first two losses in Washington and hadn't scored since the first period of Game 1 — a scoreless stretch of 124 minutes, 6 seconds. That streak was broken by Brian Boyle's first-period goal that made it 1-1.

BRUINS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 2

TORONTO (AP) — Boston spoiled the return of playoff hockey to Toronto, scoring two quick goals in the second period in a victory over the Maple Leafs.

Adam McQuaid, Rich Peverley, Nathan Horton, Daniel Paille and David Krejci, with an empty-net goal with 1:17 remaining, scored for Boston

The win came before 19,746 fans inside the Air Canada Centre. Outside, a blue-and-white throng watched on a big screen in Maple Leaf Square as playoff hockey returned to Toronto for the first time since 2004.

After being beaten 4-2 in Boston on Saturday night, the Bruins upped their game. The Leafs, meanwhile, made mistakes and were punished, although they tried to close the gap with a busy third period in which they outshot the visitors 18-6. The Leafs finished with a 47-38 edge in shots.

Game 4 is Wednesday in Toronto, with Boston leading 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

The dominant line of Milan Lucic, Krejci and Horton finished with two goals and six assists. They have combined for 17 points through the first three post-season games, with five goals and 12 assists.

Jake Gardiner and Phil Kessel replied for Toronto in a physical game.