HARTFORD, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Mike Richter tuned up for the regular season with 25 saves and Kevin Stevens scored the only goal as the New York Rangers posted a 1-0 exhibition blanking of the Boston Bruins.

Richter, who had four shutouts last season, made seven saves in the first period and six in the second. But he was at his best in the third period, stopping 12 shots and denying Shawn Bates from point-blank range after Boston pulled goaltender Kay Whitmore for a 6-on-4 advantage.

Whitmore played well as he battles for the backup berth to Rob Tallas while Byron Dafoe continues his holdout. The former Rangers farmhand finished with 19 saves.

Stevens slipped a backhander past Whitmore on a wraparound 5:57 into the first period for his first preseason goal.

The Bruins, who suffered their first loss in eight exhibition games, rested regulars Ray Bourque, Kyle McLaren, Anson Carter and Joe Thornton. Petr Nedved, Theo Fleury, Valeri Kamensky and Mathieu Schneider were among the Rangers who did not play.