Three Stars: Hawks Win 4-3 Over Khabby and the Oilers

Jim Neveau, PIB Co-conspirator

Nikolai Khabibulin skated back into the United Center on Wednesday night in what was originally supposed to be a battle with Cristobal Huet, in an epic fight to see which of the two goaltenders from last season was truly supreme.

Well, things have a funny way of shaking out, because Huet was sitting on the Hawks’ bench on Wednesday night instead of straddling the blue paint, and instead Antti Niemi was put in for his second start of the young season.

Antti Niemi: The answer in goal? Photo Property of Pam Rodriguez

He didn’t have a lot of work to do, only facing 20 Edmonton shots. The Oilers were stymied by a Hawks defense that, for the most part, looked like it was having its way with the visitors. They dictated the pace early and often, and ended up peppering Khabibulin with 38 shots of their own en route to a 4-3 victory.

The win kept the Hawks undefeated at the United Center, with wins against Calgary and Colorado also to their credit. It also propelled Niemi to a 3-0 record thus far.

Khabibulin, to his credit, kept the Oilers in the game. He made save after save, and was even rewarded with Third Star honors for his efforts in the loss.

“It’s been our thought process all year long, getting pucks to the net and bodies in front,” Patrick Sharp told chicagoblackhawks.com. “He’s a good goalie, but it’s going to cause chaos in front.”

Sharp pretty much put the nail on the head with that statement. The Hawks are averaging 37.5 shots per game, second in the league behind Buffalo. They are also only allowing 21.3 shots per game, which leads the NHL, and speaks to the improvement that the Hawks have seen on the defensive side of the puck. Well….except for that goalie thing…….

To avoid getting into yet another “should we bench Huet” debate, we’ll just get to PIB’s Three Stars of the Game.

Third Star: Jack Skille (1 Goal, and for racking up the miles)

Jack Skille is a young player who is having to deal with a bigger burden than any of the other guys on the Blackhawks: he has been recalled and sent down to Rockford on alternating days since Saturday, in an attempt to stay under the salary cap. According to Skille, he simply practices in Rockford on the days he is “sent down”, and then drives back to Chicago. This doesn’t really seem to faze the youngster either.

“I practice in the morning in Rockford and drive right back. It’s not that bad a commute,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do about it. I just work here. I do what I’m told.”

It’s that kind of attitude that makes his fifth career goal on Wednesday even more impressive. He is being a trooper for the team, and it is certainly commendable.

Second Star: Patrick Sharp (1 Goal, 1 Assist)

Patrick Sharp has had a blistering start to the season. He has already netted five goals in the team’s six games, and also has four assists to lead the team with nine points. He also added five shots to his team leading total, which now stands at 23. He has converted 21.7% of those shots.

Sharp also made his third attempt at ending what has been an incredible drought for the Blackhawks: they have not succeeded on a penalty shot since now-color commentator Troy Murray made one at the old Chicago Stadium in 1987 against the Minnesota North Stars. I was at the United Center for two of Sharp’s attempts, and I have to say that masterful goaltending has been the only thing stopping him from breaking that record.

Jonathan Toews (Photo Property of Pam Rodriguez)

First Star: Jonathan Toews (2 Assists, Goalie Agitator)

Jonathan Toews may not have been recognized by the writers who covered the game in their three stars, but PIB recognizes the Blackhawks captain for his deft passing skills that were on display tonight. Toews also had three shots in the game and was a plus-1.

The captain took 11 games last season to score his first goal, and he has yet to score in the team’s first six games, but with his three assists and the team’s 4-1-1 record, I hardly think that anyone is complaining.

The Hawks will next take the ice Thursday night against the Nashville Predators. For PIB’s full preview of all the team’s remaining October games, check out our “Viewer’s Guide to Hawk-tober“.

Tags: antti niemi, Chicago Blackhawks, Cristobal Huet, Edmonton Oilers, Jack Skille, Jonathan Toews, Nikolai Khabibulin, Patrick Sharp, Three Stars