Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 15, 2009 3:00PM

Blackhawks Outlast Oliers
The Blackhawks kept their hot start to the season going by winning their third game in a row and remaining unbeaten at home with last night's 4-3 victory over Edmonton. Patrick Sharp opened up the game with a goal in the first minute of play to give the 'Hawks an early lead. Edmonton answered less than two minutes later but Jack Skille would score as well to give Chicago a 2-1 edge. Kris Versteeg added a goal in the second period to give the 'Hawks a 3-1 edge, but it would take a Cam Barker power play goal late in the third to give the 'Hawks enough room to escape with the win in regulation. The Blackhawks sent a barrage of shots - 38 total - towards Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who just last year helped the 'Hawks to the Western Conference finals. Said the Bulin Wall after the game, "It was weird to be on the other side. They actually have become a pretty good team." Pretty good is right; at 4-1-1 in the young season, the 'Hawks sit alone atop the division. The team is on the road tonight in Nashville (7 p.m., CSN).

Bulls Topple T-Wolves
The Bulls jumped out to a big early lead, squandered it, and still held on for a 99-94 win over Minnesota. Chris Richard led Chicago with 17 points and 13 rebounds off the bench; John Salmons scored 16 while Joakim Noah and Luol Deng each contributed 14 points. So far, the Bulls are doing well in spite of missing some key players (Rose, Thomas) and are at 4-1 for the preseason.