Blackhawks get big 4-1 victory over Kings, close in on Blues

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov deflects a shot from Edmonton Oilers right wing Teddy Purcell during the third period at Pepsi Center on Monday. The Oilers won 4-1.Agencies/Toronto

Defensemen Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson scored 1:04 apart in the second period, and Chicago beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Monday.The Blackhawks were coming off a dramatic 4-3 win against the Jets on Sunday. Captain Jonathan Toews got the winning score in that one with 31 seconds left as Chicago fought back twice from one-goal deficits.“Sometimes, when you’re thrown right back into it, coming off the last game with good emotion, it can carry over,’’ Keith said. “And I think we had a real solid team game all the way through.’’Marian Hossa had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks pulled within a point of the second-place Blues in the Central Division. Chicago plays St. Louis twice in its final six games.After scuffling for four games - losing three of them - the Blackhawks used solid defense and puck-management basics to record a pair of important victories.“The way we played for four games straight wasn’t the way we want to play at all,’’ Hjalmarsson said. “You go through stretches in the season that aren’t going to be great, but that was pretty ugly.“I thought we played really well today. It was a big game for them and important points for us as well.’’Scott Darling subbed for starting goaltender Corey Crawford and made 31 saves.“Last night and tonight, the guys played great defense,’’ Darling said. “They didn’t get any Grade A scoring opportunities. Even the goal was not a Grade A chance.’’Jake Muzzin scored for the defending champion Kings, who dropped their second straight in the finale of a five-game road trip. They also lost ground to Calgary in their bid for the final playoff berth in the West.Elsewhere, goaltender Richard Bachman had 29 saves, defenseman Brandon Davidson scored his first NHL goal and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1. Defensemen Justin Schultz and Nikita Niktin and left winger Taylor Hall also scored for the Oilers. Center Andrew Miller had three assists and center Anton Lander had two for Edmonton.