Oilers face NHL's hottest club
Last Updated: Saturday, November 21, 2009 | 3:15 PM ET
By Chris Iorfida, CBC Sports
Shawn Horcoff of the Edmonton Oilers over the past two weeks is getting some of his best individual results in a long time. (Jay LaPrete/Associated Press)The Edmonton Oilers established some offence their last time out, but will be challenged to continue the momentum on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks, winners of five straight (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 8 p.m. MT).
Edmonton scored four unanswered goals en route to a 6-4 victory over Colorado on Wednesday.
The Oilers received output from several forwards, who will need to score to have any chance of making the playoffs — Shawn Horcoff, Ales Hemsky, Patrick O'Sullivan and Sam Gagner each scored goals.
Horcoff has three goals and three assists in the last six games after a slow start.
With backup netminder Jeff Deslauriers playing against the Avalanche, it is likely that Nikolai Khabibulin will get the call at Rexall Place against Chicago, where he spent the previous four seasons.
Khabibulin did all he could against the Blackhawks on Oct. 14, making 34 saves in a 4-3 Oilers loss in Chicago.
The Blackhawks continued their success against Edmonton with that victory, having taken three of four meetings last season while scoring 19 times on the Oilers.
Hawks on fire
Chicago is still potent up front, evident by a 7-1 pasting of Calgary at the Saddledome on Thursday. The visitors scored four times on power-play chances.
Kris Versteeg scored twice to pace the Blackhawks. Much of the team's offence was generated from the point, with Duncan Keith, Cam Barker and Brian Campbell combining for seven assists.
Chicago has outscored opponents 21-9 during its five-game winning streak, with Cristobal Huet continuing his fine play in net.
Huet has allowed just 16 goals in his last 10 starts.
As if the Blackhawks needed another offensive weapon, they'll likely see Marian Hossa make his team debut at some point during the current six-game road trip.
Hossa signed a marathon contract with Chicago in the offseason but needed shoulder surgery.
The Blackhawks play Sunday in Vancouver, while Edmonton hosts Phoenix on Monday.
