Rangers beat Capitals to open NHL playoff series

Brad Richards and Chris Kreider scored goals 90 seconds apart in the third period to give the New York Rangers a 3-1 victory over Washington on Saturday in their second-round NHL playoff opener. The best-of-seven Eastern Conference series will continue in New York on Monday. Artem Anisimov opened the scoring for the Rangers 12:38 into the second period but Jason Chimera equalized for Washington off a lofted pass from Brooks Laich with only four seconds remaining in the period. That set the stage for Kreider's goal seven minutes into the third period and another from Richards with 11:30 remaining. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 17 saves for the victory while Washington netminder Braden Holtby stopped 12 shots. The Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues were set to open their Western Conference series later Saturday at St. Louis.