Connor Bedard scores 19th goal as Blackhawks blank Rangers 3-0

CHICAGO — Connor Bedard scored his 19th goal, Spencer Knight made 21 saves for his second shutout this season and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the New York Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Bédard scored in the second period off a central pass from Andre Burakovsky to make it 2-0 and had an assist on Tyler Betuzzi’s goal in the third period. The 20-year-old third-year star has 42 points this season, including 17 in his last 11 home games.

Louis Crevier opened the scoring with a short-handed goal for the Blackhawks, who bounced back from back-to-back losses in Los Angeles and Anaheim.

Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves for the Rangers, who were coming off back-to-back overtime losses. New York lost in regulation for the second time in its last nine games.

The Blackhawks have scored first in 12 of 15 home games, which puts them first in the NHL. Chicago also allowed just four goals in the first half, the fewest in the league.

Knight’s shutout was the seventh of his career. He never had more than two per season.

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad’s streak of seven consecutive games with at least one has ended.

FOLLOWING

Rangers: will host Montreal on Saturday evening.

Blackhawks: At St. Louis Friday night.