Khabibulin Is in Fine Form

Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves to lead the host Chicago Blackhawks over the Edmonton Oilers, 3-1, Sunday night.

The Blackhawks took a 3-0 lead in the first period on five shots against Jussi Markkanen. Mark Bell scored two goals, two minutes apart, late in the period.

Khabibulin, who helped Tampa Bay win the 2004 Stanley Cup title and signed a four-year, $27-million deal with Chicago in the summer, then took charge.

Fernando Pisani scored for the Oilers on a breakaway.

“I don’t think it was my best game, but we got the two points and that’s what matters,” Khabibulin said. “I think when the guys get to know each other a little more, it will help. I see progress.”

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Vancouver 4, Detroit 1 -- Todd Bertuzzi’s fourth career hat trick lifted the Canucks at Vancouver, Canada.

Bertuzzi jammed in a rebound midway through the first period and scored his fifth goal this season on a breakaway five minutes later.

He completed his first three-goal game since March 17, 2003, after coming in alone on goalie Manny Legace with five minutes left in the second period.

The Red Wings have lost in regulation only three times, twice against the Canucks.