Blue Jackets Storm Back To Even Series – NHL Roundup

UNDATED (AP) — Two-goal leads weren't safe in the first three games of the NHL's opening-round series between Pittsburgh and Columbus, so the Penguins decided to take a three-goal lead in Game 4 on Wednesday. That didn't work, either.

The Blue Jackets trailed 3-0 midway through the first period before storming back for a 4-3 overtime win over the Pens. Boone Jenner and Ryan Johansen scored power-play goals to get the Jackets within 3-2 before Brandon Dubinsky notched the equalizer with just 24 seconds left in regulation. Nick Foligno ended it at 2:49 of OT to even the series at two games apiece.

Craig Adams, Chris Kunitz (KOO'-nihts) and James Neal scored in the first 11:10 for the Penguins, but Sidney Crosby failed to record a point while posting a -2.

The series returns to Pittsburgh for Game 5 on Saturday.

The eighth-seeded Dallas Stars also evened their opening-round series at two games apiece by erasing a 2-0 deficit in a 4-2 win over Anaheim. The game was tied 2-2 until Cody Eakin and Alex Goligoski scored 1:22 apart on the Stars' first two shots in the third period. Those goals came after Jamie Benn and Vernon Fiddler tallied while Dallas was outshooting the Ducks 16-3 in the second period.

Jonas Hiller finished in goal for the Ducks, who host Game 5 on Friday.

Not to be outdone, Chicago also knotted its series at two games all as Patrick Kane's second goal of the game ended the Blackhawks' 4-3 overtime win against St. Louis. The Hawks squandered a 2-0 lead in the second period and trailed 3-2 until Bryan Bickell scored with 3:52 left in regulation. Kane won it at 11:17 of the extra session, the third overtime game of the series.

Vladimir Tarasenko tallied twice for the Blues, who head home to host Game 5 on Friday.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The NHL has cracked down hard on Matt Cooke, suspending the Minnesota Wild left wing for seven games for his knee-to-knee hit that injured Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie.

If the term of the ban isn't finished during the playoffs, Cooke must complete it at the beginning of the next regular season.

This is Cooke's sixth career suspension for various player safety violations, bringing his total of games banned to 34, including playoffs.