Chicago Blackhawks Down Oilers in Statement Win

It appears that the starting goaltender position is Cristobal Huet's to lose going into a huge game Thursday against the NHL's point-leading San Jose Sharks.

Jonathan Toews and the Blackhawks' first line looked unstoppable on the game's opening goal just 44 seconds into the game. Patrick Kane was credited with the assist, and later added another on Troy Brouwer's goal in the second period for his team-leading 57 points. Kane now has 201 career points in just three seasons in the NHL. 

The Blackhawks took that 1-0 lead into the second period. Chicago exploded for three more goals in the second. Among the goal scorers was the aforementioned Brouwer, Dustin Byfuglien, and Marian Hossa. Edmonton cut down the lead with a goal late in the second from Fernando Pisani. 

The Oilers made it interesting early in the third period with a goal from Ryan Potulny. It was smooth sailing for the Hawks until the end of the game when they faced a lot more pressure with Edmonton taking the empty net for the sixth attacker. Huet dove back to make a save on a virtually empty net in the closing seconds of the game, easily his best save of the game. 

This was a statement game for the Blackhawks who had lost two of their last three games. Huet stopped 22 shots and looked a lot better than his last start against the Ottawa Senators. 

The first line was truly clicking, and created a lot of scoring chances.

So, what does this win mean for the Hawks? 

The Edmonton Oilers are the basement dwellers of the NHL in terms of points, and haven't won a game in 2010. But, this was virtually a must-win game for the Blackhawks, who going into the game were four points behind the Sharks in the Western Conference. Now only two points behind the point leaders the Hawks get ready to face San Jose Thursday night. 

This is easily one of the Hawks' shakier stretches. Their offense hasn't scored as many goals, and their goaltenders have certainly been a question mark. But tonight's win gives them the momentum going into San Jose. 

Thursday night's game is the one that everyone on the Hawks has circled on their calendar. It'll be a huge test for Chicago, but it should prove to be a good test to see where each team is compared to the other.