The Bruins killed off 18 of 21 Washington power plays in the last series, but that also means they allowed 21 power plays – including five penalties by Brad Marchand.

Boston finishes off Washington in five games and awaits the winner of the series between the Penguins and the Islanders.

Patrice Bergeron scores twice, Tuukka Rask makes 40 saves, and Boston wins its fourth in a row, 3-1 over Washington.

The Bruins have a 2-1 series lead over the Capitals thanks to Craig Smith’s improbable goal in the second overtime.

Charlie McAvoy, a 23-year-old defenseman, learned plenty from playing with Zdeno Chara and has blossomed into the leader of Boston’s defense.

Craig Smith takes advantage of a mistake by the Capitals, and Boston wins in double overtime, 3-2.

Taylor Hall came to Boston from last-place Buffalo at the trade deadline and has blossomed. His tying goal in Game 2 against the Capitals was pretty important, too.

A second straight playoff game goes to overtime, but the Bruins get a 4-3 win to tie the series, 1-1, overcoming two Washington goals by Kennebunkport native Garnet Hathaway.

Boston was held to 26 shots in Game 1 against the Capitals and failed to take advantage of an injury to Washington goalie Vitek Vanecek.

Nic Dowd scores on a deflection to give Washington a 1-0 lead in the East Division semifinals.