Blues edge Blackhawks in overtime again

Defenseman Barret Jackman scored on a drive through traffic 5:50 into overtime, giving the St. Louis Blues their second straight 4-3 OT victory over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday for a 2-0 series lead against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Vladimir Tarasenko forced overtime with his second goal of the Western Conference series, beating Corey Crawford with a wrist shot that banged off the right post and in with 6.4 seconds to go. Kevin Shattenkirk had a goal and two assists for the Blues, who also got a goal from Chris Porter.

St. Louis rallied after Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook received a five-minute major and game misconduct penalty for a vicious elbow to the head on Blues captain David Backes, who had to be helped off the ice, went straight to the locker room and did not return for the extra period.

Duncan Keith, Seabrook and Michael Rozsival scored in a span of five shots to put the Blackhawks up 3-2 early in the third. But Seabrook’s penalty proved costly, and he could be suspended for Game 3 in Chicago on Monday night.

Columbus 4, at Pittsburgh 3 (2 OT): Matt Calvert banged home a rebound 1:10 into the second overtime and the Blue Jackets earned the first playoff victory in franchise history.

Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury stuffed the initial shot by Cam Atkinson but Calvert stood all alone at the left post and wristed a shot into the open net to even the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at one game each.

Game 3 is Monday in Columbus.

Jack Johnson tied the game with 6:01 left in regulation for the Blue Jackets. Ryan Johansen also scored the first playoff goal of his career for Columbus. Sergei Bobrovsky overcame a shaky start to finish with 39 saves.

at Colorado 4, Minnesota 2: Gabriel Landeskog scored twice and Semyon Varlamov stopped 30 shots, lifting the Avalanche to victory and a 2-0 series lead.

The Wild were unable to contain the quickness of teenager Nathan MacKinnon, who had a goal and three assists. Stastny, the star of Game 1, also had a goal and three assists. His empty-netter sealed the win after Marco Scandella made it a one-goal game with 1:19 remaining.

Charlie Coyle also scored early for the Wild.

Game 3 is Monday in Minnesota.