Predators edge Jets in 2OT, knot series

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kevin Fiala scored 5:37 into double overtime as the Nashville Predators beat the Winnipeg

Jets 5-4 on Sunday in Game 2 to even the Western Conference semifinal series.

The Presidents’ Trophy winners had the NHL’S best road record in the regular season, but the Predators got the split they needed before this series switches to Winnipeg for Game 3 on Tuesday. That’s where the Jets posted the league’s best home record.

Craig Smith and Fiala skated up on a 2-on-1, and Jets defenseman Byflugien failed to block Smith’s cross-ice pass to Fiala, who beat goalie Connor Hellebuyck with a backhander.

Ryan Johansen scored two goals, Viktor Arvidsson had a goal and two assists, and P.K. Subban had a goal and an assist as Nashville won its 100th postseason game as a franchise and coach Peter Laviolette’s 50th with the team.

Filip Forsberg also had three primary assists for the first time in the postseason in his career.

Mark Scheifele scored two goals and had an assist for Winnipeg. Byflugien had a goal and an assist, and Brandon Tanev had a goal for the Jets.

Capitals 4, Penguins 1 — At Washington, Alex Ovechkin scored his seventh goal of the playoffs to back Braden Holtby, who made 32 saves, as Washington squared the series at one win apiece.

Jakub Vrana scored on the power play and Brett Connolly on a breakaway for the Capitals, who have beaten goalie Matt Murray glove-side on all five of their goals against him through two games.

Nicklas Backstrom scored an empty-netter with 6.1 seconds left for Washington, which improved to 2-3 in the playoffs when scoring the first two goals of the game.

Kris Letang scored for Pittsburgh, which could get star center Evgeni Malkin back for Game 3. He has missed three games with a leg injury.