Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and two assists, and Alex Ovechkin scored once, leading the Washington Capitals and fill-in goalie Philipp Grubauer past the New York Islanders 4-3 to even their first-round playoff series at a game each.
After Washington's two stars - Ovechkin led the NHL in goals, Backstrom was No.1 in assists - were reunited on the top line, both scored to erase a 3-1 deficit. Jason Chimera netted the go-ahead goal with just over 12 minutes remaining.
It was the first time the Capitals had led in the series, which moves to New York for on Sunday.
Grubauer was called up from the minors on Friday to replace starting goalie Braden Holtby, who was ill.
Grubauer, a 23-year-old from Germany, made 18 saves.
Elsewhere, Alex Galchenyuk scored on a spin-around shot 3:40 into overtime, leading Montreal past the Ottawa Senators and giving the Canadiens a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
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