NHL: N.Y. Rangers 2, Washington 1

NEW YORK, April 22 (UPI) -- Henrik Lundqvist carried a shutout into the third period Wednesday and made 38 saves, boosting the New York Rangers to a 2-1 playoff victory over Washington.

The Rangers took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven, opening-round series and can close out the second-seeded Capitals Friday in Washington.

Lundqvist helped overcome two third-period penalties called on Sean Avery, improving his playoff record to 14-13 over the last four seasons.

Paul Mara scored the game's first goal on a slap shot with 6:05 to play in the first period and Chris Drury made it 2-0 just 2:23 into the second. Simeon Varlamov allowed the two goals on 21 shots.

Washington closed within one when Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the series with 2:13 having transpired in the third period.

For the second straight season, Washington faces a 3-1 deficit in the opening round. The Capitals rallied to force a seventh game last year against Philadelphia before losing the deciding contest in overtime.