The Ottawa Senators punched out a 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Rangers, to even their playoff at a game apiece.

Matt Carkner got back into the Ottawa lineup, and made his presence felt right away by settling his club's score in a one-sided fight with Rangers forward Brian Boyle.

Chris Neil, the Flesherton native known for his punches, delivered the final blow, backhanding a rebound by Henrik Lundqvist 1:17 into overtime.

The San Jose Sharks put themselves in an early hole when Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored on his own net, and the St. Louis Blues evened their series at a game apiece with a 3-0 victory.

The Blues goaltending tandem of Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak combined to make 29 saves for the shutout,

Halak left in the second period when he collided with a teammate.

Bryan Bickell had his second goal 11:36 into overtime, in Chicago's 4-3 victory over Phoenix.

Patrick Sharpe got the equalizer when redirected a shot by Patrick Kane with 5.5 seconds left.

The series shifts to Chicago tied at a game apiece.

Former Owen Sound Attack Forward and now Chicago Blackhawk skater Andrew Shaw was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for hitting Phoenix goalie Mike Smith with a shoulder to the head behid the Phoenix net.

Shaw told reporters "I came in on the forecheck. He played the puck and I tried to get out of the way and unfortunately I made contact – not that I meant to or anything,"

"I'm just glad he was OK and he played the rest of the game."

His stick came up toward my face and I tried to get out of the way of it and unfortunately made a little contact."

Elsewhere in the NHL, Nicklas Backstrom scored 2:56 into the second overtime period, to give the Washington Capitals a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins, and even their playoff at a game apiece.

Braden Holtby made 43 saves for the Capitals.