That gave the Rangers, the No. 1 seed in the East, and the Bruins, the No. 2 seed, the edge again after both favorites dropped one of their games at home to start their series.
In the west, St. Louis held off San Jose, 4-3, after leading 4-1 into the third period, putting the Blues up 2-1 in the series.
Here are the recaps from the games that took place on Monday, April 16. Be sure to check out more of our in-depth Associated Press recaps and previews.
New York Rangers 1, Ottawa Senators 0
OTTAWA — Henrik Lundqvist made 39 saves for his fourth NHL playoff shutout, and Brian Boyle scored for the third straight game to break a third-period tie as the New York Rangers beat the Ottawa Senators 1-0 on Monday night.
The Rangers, who lost Game 2 at home in overtime, lead the best-of-seven, first-round series 2-1. Game 4 will be Wednesday night in Ottawa before the series returns to New York. Read the complete story here.
Boston Bruins 4, Washington Capitals 3
WASHINGTON — Zdeno Chara scored the tiebreaking goal during 4-on-4 play with less than 2 minutes left, and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins finally solved playoff rookie goalie Braden Holtby, beating the Washington Capitals 4-3 Monday night to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
Chara's shot from the right circle appeared to get deflected on its way past Holtby. The Bruins captain also had two assists. Read the complete story here.
St. Louis Blues 4, San Jose Sharks 3
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Andy McDonald scored one goal and set up another in the second period to help the St. Louis Blues regain home-ice advantage in their first-round series against San Jose by beating the Sharks 4-3 in Game 3 on Monday night.
Patrik Berglund, Jason Arnott and Alexander Steen added power-play goals, and Brian Elliott made 26 saves in place of injured Jaroslav Halak as the Blues won their second straight following a double-overtime loss in Game 1 to take a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is Thursday in San Jose. Read the complete story here.