Alex Ovechkin’s franchise-record 31st career playoff goal got the Capitals started before less-heralded teammates Marcus Johansson and Jason Chimera scored 46 seconds apart, and Washington beat the New York Rangers 3-1 Thursday night in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Ovechkin, a two-time MVP who led the NHL with 32 goals this season, crashed the net to score on a power play about seven minutes into the second period to tie the game.

Blues 2, Kings 1

Defenseman Barret Jackman scored his first career playoff goal with 50.4 seconds remaining, lifting St. Louis over defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles for the second straight time.

Senators 4, Canadiens 2

Craig Anderson made 48 saves in a spectacular goaltending performance in Game 1. Jakob Silfverberg and Marc Methot scored early in the third period to lift the Senators into the lead.

Game 2 set for Friday night at the Bell Centre.

Red Wings 5, Ducks 4

Gustav Nyquist’s power-play goal at 1:21 of overtime after the Red Wings blew a three-goal lead in the third period to even their playoff series with Anaheim.

Johan Franzen scored two goals for the Wings.