It’s Niemi vs. Khabby

It’ll be rookie Antti Niemi in the Blackhawks’ net rather than Cristobal Huet when the Edmonton Oilers and ex-Hawk Nikolai Khabibulin make their first appearance of the season at the United Center. In bypassing Huet, Quenneville nixed a matchup of the Hawks’ two goaltenders of last season. Huet struggled mightily, allowing three goals in the first five shots he faced in Monday’s 6-5 overtime win over Calgary but Quenneville said that was only part of the reason he went with Niemi. He noted that Niemi had a shutout in Finland and a win in relief against Calgary and deserved to make his first start on home ice. Huet figures to be between the pipes Thursday at Nashville.

The Latest
Eileen O’Neill Burke is leading Clayton Harris III, 50.15% to 49.85%, a margin that changed only by hundredths of a percentage point, after city and suburban officials tallied more mail-in ballots Thursday.
Suspect Romeo Nance’s son witnessed the shooting of at least five relatives, according to Joliet police reports obtained through a public records request. The reports also indicate the child’s mother was more deeply involved in the case than first thought.
Counsell is measured and stoic, more so than Joe Maddon or David Ross. After Justin Steele’s Opening Day injury, Counsell will put his head down, pace and figure it out.
The Cubs opened the season against the reigning World Series champions in Texas.