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Surging Blackhawks get litmus test vs. Red Wings

Oct 25, 2008 - 10:46 AM Detroit (5-1-1) at Chicago (3-2-2) 8:30 pm. EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Coach Joel Quenneville has the Chicago Blackhawks playing up to their potential, but they will face a stern test against the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

The Blackhawks have responded to Quenneville, who took over for Denis Savard four games into the season. Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 23 shots for his first shutout of the season and Patrick Sharp recorded a goal and an assist as Chicago posted a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks, who are 2-0-1 under Quenneville, are coming off what Khabibulin said "might be our best game of the year."

Khabibulin, who is 2-1-1 with a 1.97 goals-against average in four starts, has his work cut out for him against the Red Wings. Marian Hossa had two goals and an assist as Detroit posted its third straight win Friday, a 5-3 triumph over Atlanta.

Hossa, who signed a one-year, $7.45 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, has a five-game points streak.

The Red Wings, who have opened the season with three straight road wins, went 3-4-1 against the Blackhawks last season.