I was enough to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead in their NHL Eastern Conference first-round series against the Capitals.

Chara, who also added two assists, netted on a deflected shot with less than two minutes left to snatch victory.

Game Four of the best-of-seven series is in Washington on Thursday.

The New York Rangers also opened up a 2-1 lead over the Ottawa Senators on the back of Henrik Lundqvist's fourth play-off shutout.

Lundqvist made 39 saves while Brian Boyle broke the third-period tie to give the Rangers the series advantage ahead of Wednesday's fourth game.

The St Louis Blues regained home-ice advantage as a 4-3 win at the San Jose Sharks put them 2-1 up in their series.

Andy McDonald scored one goal and set up another in the second period to help edge the Blues ahead before Thursday's fourth game in San Jose.