NHL play-offs:

Edmonton Oilers equalize, Bruins shorten lead

Jeremy Swayman (l.) and Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins celebrate.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on Tuesday in the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL) to draw level at 2-2 in the best-of-seven series. The Florida Panthers missed their first chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Final with a 2-1 defeat against Boston. Florida now only leads the series 3-2.

In Edmonton, the Oilers' victory was initially in jeopardy as Dakota Joshua scored in the 59th minute to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to overtime. However, Evan Bouchard scored just 62 seconds later after Leon Draisaitl's assist to make it 3-2 - with 39 seconds left in regulation time. The next match will be played on Friday (CEST) in Vancouver.

Tension between Panthers and Bruins
Also on Friday, the Panthers want to finally seal the deal against the Boston Bruins. After all, the team was already on its way to the final after the opening defeat in Boston with two resounding victories (6:1 and 6:2) and a 3:2 win, but has now suffered its second defeat in the series.

For the Boston Bruins, Charlie McAvoy was partly responsible for keeping the series going with a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win in Sunrise, Florida. The Bruins could achieve something they have not done in 25 previous attempts: turn around a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

Tuesday's NHL playoff results (2nd round/conference semifinals, best of seven):

Eastern Conference: 
Florida Panthers - Boston Bruins 1-2 (series tied 3-2)

Western Conference: 
Edmonton Oilers - Vancouver Canucks 3-2 (tied 2-2)