Blackhawks beat Red Wings in exhibition game

The largest crowd ever to watch a preseason Blackhawks game in Chicago left the United Center satisfied Saturday night, and so did coach Joel Quenneville.

Even though the Red Wings dressed a team that looked more like their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hawks felt they got some things accomplished in a 4-2 win that was their first of the preseason following 2 losses.

This was a night for the Hawks veterans as Quenneville played only three rookie prospects in forwards Igor Makarov and Chris DiDomenico, and defenseman Shawn Lalonde.

Jack Skille, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith each had a goal and assist while Fernando Pisani had 2 assists.

Skille's big game certainly helped his already good chance of making the team.

"Jack had a great game," Quenneville said. "I thought Jack had great speed, made a nice move on the first goal and went to the net on the second one he scored.

"I think Jack is in a position where he's looking to take advantage of an opportunity to play here and be consistent in his game. It's a great chance for him to even move up in the lineup."

The line of Skille, Pisani and center Ryan Potulny was strong, combining for 2 goals and 3 assists. Potulny opened the scoring in the first period on a Skille rebound.

"We played pretty well with a lot of chemistry," Skille said. "For me the start of camp was a little slow, I think personally. I feel I'm carrying a little momentum here and playing better."

Goalie Marty Turco made his first start as a Hawk in the UC and had the crowd of 20,533 on his side by the end of the night. Turco made 23 saves and also demonstrated several times why he is considered the best in the NHL at handling the puck.

Turco made a long outlet pass through three zones to Patrick Kane in the second period that started a pretty passing play and resulted in Keith's power-play goal.

"Certainly it's a great asset to have," Quenneville said of Turco's passing. "The quick outs, the puck-possession game, is really beneficial for our defense and our team game as well. As we go along, I think we can grow and be more accustomed to where we can be with the outlet passes."

The Hawks' power play had good movement, finishing 1-for-5.

None of there three rookies in the lineup made themselves noticeable except for Lalonde getting beat to the net by Valtteri Filppula on Detroit's first goal.

Makarov started the game on the fourth line with Dowell and DiDomenico and played only nine minutes with 4 shots.