David Pastrnak notches a hat trick and Charlie McAvoy gets the winner in the third period, lifting Boston to a 5-2 win in Game 1 of the East Division finals.

Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon practiced Thursday as the Bruins prepare for the start of their second-round series.

Coach Bruce Cassidy is not concerned with rust or a lack of focus, but thinks the extra time will allow his players to reset and make sure they are healthy.

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.