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.

Boston, which opens the playoffs on Saturday at Washington, may be better equipped to play in a tough series than it was last year.

Zdeno Chara, Boston’s captain for 14 seasons, has been a success in so many ways after signing with Washington. Now he’s a playoff opponent of the Bruins.