Blackhawks Make it a Three Game Winning Streak

Written by: EricC on 15th October 2009

Nikolai Khabibulin returned to the United Center Wednesday night, but not as a Blackhawk. Khabibulin, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers during the off season, battled the team he once used to play on. Luckily, the Chicago Blackhawks were able to get it past their former teammate, making their record 4-2, and starting a three game winning streak.

Patrick Sharp wasted no time, giving the Blackhawks an early lead with his goal in the first 51 seconds of play. However, the Oilers tied it up only about a minute and a half later. Before the end of the period, Jack Skille, the 22 year old winger who has been tossed back and forth between the Blackhawks and their lower level team, the Rockford Ice Hogs, gave Chicago the lead again.

Half way through the second period, Kris Versteeg took a pass from Brian Campbell, giving the Hawks a two goal lead. In the final minutes of the second period, Patrick Sharp was given a penalty shot, but it was unsuccessful. This was Sharp’s third unsuccessful attempt at a penalty shot in his career.

Almost eleven minutes into the third period, Edmonton put in another goal, closing the gap a little. However, in the final minutes of the game, Cam Barker took a long shot from the back, making it a two goal difference once again. In the final seconds of play, the Oilers got one more in, but it wasn’t enough and the Blackhawks came out with their third win in a row.

Cristobal Huet had the night off while Coach Q gave Antti Niemi his second start of the season. Niemi did pretty well in the net, making 16 saves and helping the Hawks pull off the win. Despite these results, Coach Q has made it clear that Cristobal Huet is still the Blackhawks Number 1 goalie and that he will be starting on Thursday.

The Chicago Blackhawks take on Nashville Predators this Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 P.M. This will be the first of six match-ups between the two teams.