The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to overcome one sluggish start in the first contest north of the border, but a four-goal first period provided too much of an obstacle as the Washington Capitals evened the Eastern Conference first-round series at two victories apiece. Despite tumbling back to Square One, coach Mike Babcock feels his upstart Maple Leafs should be optimistic heading into Friday's Game 5 against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Capitals at the Verizon Center.

The Ottawa Senators have been a nemesis all season for the Boston Bruins and now are on the brink of eliminating their Atlantic Division rival from the playoffs. The Senators have won three in a row since a Game 1 loss -- all by one goal -- and can close out Boston in Friday's Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series at Canadian Tire Centre.