Stanley Cup Playoffs: Panthers, Avalanche Stretch Respective Series Leads To 2-0; Bruins Take Lead In Series With Caps After 2 OT Home Win; Jets Knock Off Oilers On Road In Series Opener

 The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday with  four games.

CENTRAL DIVISION:

At Raleigh, North Carolina:

Sebastian Aho scored a power-play goal and an empty netter while Alex Nedeljkovic saved all 32 shots for the shutout as the Carolina Panthers defeated the visiting Nashville Predators 3-0 in game two and increased their divisional-semifinal series lead to two games to none.

EAST DIVISION:

At Boston:

Craig Smith scored the game winner 5:48 into the second overtime period as the Boston Bruins defeated the visiting Washington Capitals 3-2 in game three of their opening-round series and took a two-games-to-one series advantage.

NORTH DIVISION:

At Edmonton, Alberta:

Tucker Poolman, Dominic Tonimato, Kyle Connor (empty net), and Blake Wheeler (empty net) each scored once while Connor Hellebuyck saved 32 of 33 shots as the Winnipeg Jets opened their best-of-seven series with the Edmonton Oilers with a 4-1 road victory.

WEST DIVISION:

At Denver:

Nathan MacKinnon delivered a hat trick (including a power-play and an empty netter) while Joonas Donskoi added a double (one power-play tally) as the Colorado Avalanche doubled up the visiting St. Louis Blues 6-3 in game two of their divisional semifinal series.

The Avalanche now lead the series two games to none.