NHL CAPSULES: Canucks take 3-0 lead over Blackhawks

CHICAGO (AP) - Mikael Samuelsson scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, Roberto Luongo made 30 saves and the Vancouver Canucks moved within a victory of sweeping defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago, beating the Blackhawks 3-2 on Sunday night.

The Canucks, with the best record in the NHL during the regular season, lead the Western Conference first-round series 3-0 and can finish it off Tuesday night at the United Center.

Christian Ehrhoff and Daniel Sedin also scored for the Canucks, eliminated by the Blackhawks the previous two seasons.

Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp had power-play goals for the Blackhawks, but it was a night of missed chances for Chicago. The Blackhawks had seven power-play opportunities overall, including a 5-on-3 in the first period when they led 1-0, but were turned away by Luongo and the Canucks' penalty kill.

Samuelsson, who missed Game 2 with an illness, scored on a second rebound at 6:48 of the third after a first attempt by Henrik Sudin went off goalie Corey Crawford.

Rangers 3, Capitals 2

NEW YORK (AP) - Brandon Dubinsky broke a tie with 1:39 left and New York beat Washington to cut the Capitals' lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference series.

After the Rangers managed only one goal in two losses at Washington, Dubinsky, Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen figured out young Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth.

Henrik Lundqvist was sharp again, making 24 saves. New York got 35 shots through on Neuvirth after a combined 47 in the opening two games.

Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, and Mike Knuble also scored for the Capitals.

Game 4 is in New York on Wednesday night.

Predators 4, Ducks 3

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Mike Fisher scored the go-ahead goal at 10:21 of the third period, and Nashville took advantage of Bobby Ryan sitting out the first of his two-game suspension by beating Anaheim to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series.

The NHL suspended Ryan on Saturday for stomping Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum's foot late in the Ducks' 5-3 victory Friday night. Ryan also will miss Game 4 on Wednesday night in Nashville.

Martin Erat had a power-play goal and an assist, David Legwand and Jordin Tootoo also scored, and Ryan Suter had two assists for Nashville. Teemu Selanne scored twice, Matt Beleskey added a goal, and Corey Perry had two assists for Anaheim.