The Chicago Blackhawks tallied four first-period goals and never looked back in downing the New York Rangers 4-2 in the inter-conference contest Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers (37-14-5, 79 points) had their four-game winning streak end, while the Blackhawks (30-21-7, 69 points) snapped a nine-game skid.
Jonathan Toews scored the game's first goal on a penalty shot against New York backup goaltender Martin Biron, who allowed three more in the period. The Eastern Conference-leading Rangers' early hole was just too much to overcome, as Marc Staal tallied a goal in the second period, while Carl Hagelin added another in the third, but it was a little too late for the Blueshirts.
Overall, the Rangers outshot the Blackhawks, 26-23, but finished 0-for-7 on power-play.
On Sunday, the Rangers host the Columbus Blue Jackets (8 p.m. ET).
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