Nic Dowd scores on a deflection to give Washington a 1-0 lead in the East Division semifinals.

Boston, which opens the playoffs on Saturday at Washington, may be better equipped to play in a tough series than it was last year.

Zdeno Chara, Boston’s captain for 14 seasons, has been a success in so many ways after signing with Washington. Now he’s a playoff opponent of the Bruins.

Former UMaine goalie Jeremy Swayman will back up Tuukka Rask in the playoffs, leaving veteran Jaroslav Halak out of the mix.

Michael Raffl scores the winning goal with 1.8 seconds left for the Caps, who meet the Bruins in the playoffs starting Saturday.

Zdeno Chara, who signed with Washington in the offseason after 14 years as captain in Boston, knows the Bruins about as well as anybody.

Boston clinches third place in the East Division and will play the Capitals after Taylor Hall scores two goals, the second one a nifty game-winner in overtime.

Jake DeBrusk is trying to break through as Boston gears up for the playoffs. “I’m just trying to stay positive, but the game’s not fun when you’re struggling, man.”

Former UMaine goalie Jeremy Swayman makes 15 saves as he improves his record to 7-2 and lowers his goals-against average to 1.44.

The Bruins lose a one-goal lead twice in the third period.