Pens Close Out Jackets…Rangers Top Habs in OT, NHL News

(AP) — The defending Stanley Cup champs have advanced to the second round of this year's playoffs, while the 2015 champions are done after one round.

Bryan Rust had a pair of goals and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 49 shots as the Penguins ousted the Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-2 in Game 5 at Pittsburgh. The Pens were clinging to a 3-2 lead until Sidney Crosby and Scott Wilson scored 51 seconds apart early in the third period.

Phil Kessel also tallied for the Penguins, who will take on either Washington or Toronto in the next round.

Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators have completed what is arguably the biggest series win in team history.

Roman Josi  scored twice and the Predators used a three-goal third period to close out a four-game sweep of the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks, 4-1. Nashville went ahead 3-0 after Colton Sissons and Josi scored 1:29 apart midway through the final period.

Pekka Rinne stopped 30 shots and blanked the Hawks until Jonathan Toews tallied with 5:18 remaining.

The Predators outscored Chicago, 13-3 in their first series sweep.

Elsewhere in the NHL:

— Mika Zibanejad scored 14:22 into overtime to give the New York Rangers a 3-2 victory and a 3-2 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 34 shots and blanked the Habs following Brendan Gallagher's power-play goal late in the first period. Jesper Fast and Brady Skjei also scored for the Rangers, who can finish off the Atlantic Division leaders on Saturday.

— Edmonton also won in OT as David Desharnais scored at 18:15 of the extra session to complete the Oilers' comeback in a 4-3 win against San Jose. Oscar Klefbom tied it with 2:46 left in regulation before Desharnais gave the Oilers a three-games-to-two lead. Mark Letestu sparked the Edmonton rally with a late second-period tally after the Sharks went ahead 3-1. Game 6 is Saturday in San Jose.