UNDATED (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins have command of their respective Stanley Cup first-round series, while the Nashville Predators are right back in their matchup with Carolina.
Ryan Graves had a goal and two assists as the Avs thumped the Blues, 5-1. Graves opened the scoring two minutes into the second period and set up Alex Newhook’s goal about 11 minutes later.
Tyson Jost also had a second-period goal before Brandon Saad and J.T. Compher tallied in the third.
Philipp Grubauer stopped 31 shots shots and was perfect until Tyler Bozak beat him late in the second.
The Avalanche can complete a sweep Sunday in St. Louis.
The Bruins are one win away from advancing to the second round following a 4-1 victory over the Capitals.
Clinging to a 1-0 lead on a second-period goal by Brad Marchand, Boston broke it open on goals by David Pastrnak and Charlie Coyle in the first 63 seconds of the third period. Matt Grzelcyk capped the scoring with the Bruins’ third power-play goal of the game. Tuukka Rask turned back 19 shots and blanked the Caps until Alex Ovechkin netted a power-play goal 4:54 into the third.
The Bruins can close out the series Sunday in Washington.
The Predators are within two games to one in their first-round series following a 5-4 win over the Hurricanes in double overtime. Matt Duchene lit the lamp at 14:54 of the second extra period, ending the longest game so far this postseason.
Ryan Ellis had a goal and two assists for Nashville while Jusse Saros tied a team postseason record with 52 saves.
Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists for Carolina.
Game 4 is Sunday in Nashville.
Meanwhile, the surprising Jets own a 2-0 series lead after Paul Stastny scored 4:06 into overtime to send them to a 1-0 win at Edmonton. Stastny’s screened wrist shot beat goaltender Mike Smith high to the right corner.
Connor Hellebuyck made 38 saves for Winnipeg, and Smith stopped 35 shots.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid and teammate Leon Draisaitl have been held off the scoresheet in the first two games after finishing 1-2 in the league in scoring during the regular season.
Game 3 is Sunday in Winnipeg.
