Chicago Flu, Niko?

I was devastated when I heard Khabibulin wouldn't be in the net for the Oilers last night. Back problems? Probably saw what the Blackhawks did to Calgary, not to mention what they did at their last meeting. But, life goes on and I got to see what Jeff Deslauriers is like. Was kind of hoping to see his backup, the 20 year old rookie, but no such luck.

So, let's see where the 'hawks were before the game started:
◊5 game win streak
◊Jumped from 20th to 11th in PPG in ONE GAME
◊2nd in face offs (compared to 23rd last year)
--Toews ranked 2nd & Madden 6th as FO leaders
◊Huet is now ranked 25th in SV% instead of 50th
◊Ebbett is now in Minnesota (please see above picture)

About 4 minutes into the game, Bickell was taken out by Penner as he (Bickell) attempted an open-ice hit. Hit the back of his head hard on the ice, but luckily remained conscious! Eddie mentioned that sometimes these helmets come off after a hit like that, so it was a good thing his straps held tight and his helmet stayed put.
I noticed a lot of Oilers' passes were picked off by Blackhawks. They really need to work on that, among other things. I also noticed their benches are on the opposite end of where most benches are. And finally, I noticed someone wearing a red Khabibulin jersey before a commercial break and my heart fluttered with joy.
At the end of the 2nd, and I mean the end with 5 seconds left after a face off, it appeared Horcoff scored a goal, but upon review, the puck had not gone into the net when the players thought it did. They raised their hands in celebration, Horcoff saw the puck was still under Huet, he pushed it in, but at that time, well, there was no more time! The clock showed .01 seconds left, but whoever was in charge of that stop button pushed it too soon and it was called "no goal." I felt bad because by then it was 4-1.
Hey guess what! Fraser didn't fight! He almost did, but it was stopped before anything could actually happen.
My favorite play of the night was when Huet came out to play the puck. Usually I yell, "Get back in the net!" and hold my breath, but this time I thought it played out wonderfully. He came out as far as the middle of the face off circles, maybe even to the front, closed his legs (good move not leaving the garage door open) and escorted that puck out of the Chicago zone. Well done, my friend! I've said it before, but I will say it again with an added thought or two: I am sorry I ever doubted Cristobal Huet, the man from France! I adore his every save, I can't be mad when he lets one go in anymore, and he has such the sweetest voice. He has grown on me in a way never thought possible, so much so that I think he is my second favorite Blackhawks player. (Madden is #1, just decided;) I apologize for last season's "Ugh" attitude, but remember, I was all about the Bulin Wall.
Figured I'd leave with two quotes, one from Pat, one from Eddie:
Even when he shakes your hand, you know it's been shook! - Pat about coach Pat Quinn
Instead of calling me Eddie, they call my Heddie! - Eddie talking about god-only-knows-what when he visits Quebec City
(I also liked his enthusiam for "Thanksgiving Eve" I am with him on that boat!
____
Final score 5-2


Oh yes, and now they're on a 6 game win streak (don't wanna look into Edmonton's lose streak number...) and Toews had his first multiple-score game this season.
I also forgot to mention that I love Huet and Kopecky's congratulatory ritual after a win :)))