Blackhawks 1, Rangers 0: Brad Richards scored in the third period against his former team and Scott Darling recorded his first career shutout as visiting Chicago skated to its fourth straight victory.

Darling finished with 25 saves while playing in his 10th career game for the Blackhawks, who improved to 8-1-1 in their last 10 contests and avenged a 1-0 overtime loss to New York on March 8. Defenseman Duncan Keith had an assist to extend his point streak to four games and Andrew Desjardins also set up Richards' 11th goal of the season.

Cam Talbot turned aside 30 shots to fall to 13-3-3 since Henrik Lundqvist was sidelined with a vascular injury. Derek Stepan had a team-high six shots for the Rangers, who saw their five-game winning streak come to a halt to remain five points ahead of the second-place New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division.

After New York defenseman Dan Boyle hit the crossbar on a rush, Chicago turned up ice before Richards skated out from behind the net and patiently sized up his shot before beating Talbot from the right doorstep at 7:19 of the third period. Patrick Sharp was denied on a breakaway with 6 1/2 minutes to play, but the Blackhawks thwarted a late power-play opportunity by the Rangers to move within three points of first-place St. Louis in the Central Division.

New York nearly opened the scoring in the first period as Chris Kreider tapped home a loose puck from the doorstep - but the apparent tally was disallowed as the official blew the whistle after losing sight of the puck. Rick Nash nearly drew first blood as well, poking the puck away from Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook before Darling denied his bid for his team-leading 40th goal with a brilliant pad save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: A video tribute honoring Richards was aired on the scoreboard during the first period. Richards, who played with New York from 2011-14, acknowledged the applause from the Madison Square Garden faithful by waving from the bench. ... Lundqvist took high shots while working with New York coaches Wednesday and is expected to participate in a full team practice Friday for the first time since being injured. ... Keith has collected one goal and three assists on his point streak. ... Actor Liam Neeson was in attendance at Madison Square Garden.