Darling leads surging Blackhawks past Bruins

A two-goal first period and 32 saves from Scott Darling propelled the Chicago Blackhawks to an eighth consecutive win, a 3-2 triumph over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.

Ben Smith had one of Chicago's early goals and set up the other -- the first of Klas Dahlbeck's NHL career -- while Darling outplayed reigning Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask in the rookie's sixth career start.

Patrik Kane also tallied and Marcus Kruger recorded two assists for the red- hot Blackhawks.

The Bruins had captain Zdeno Chara back in the lineup after missing 19 straight games with a knee injury, but still fell for the fourth time in their last five outings. Rask managed just 18 saves.

[SportsNetwork.com]