Nikolai Khabibulin still sidelined with a groin injury

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin last started in net on February 11th in Atlanta, when he made 36 saves in a 3-1 win over Atlanta. Khabby currently ranks 5th in the NHL in save percentage (.924) and is tied for 9th in GAA (2.37). Also, Nik was recently rated the 7th best goaltender in the NHL by the Hockey News in their "Goalie Issue." There is no timetable for Khabibulin's return for the Blackhawks, who are in 4th place in the Western Conference with 76 points.



Published: 2/27/200 12:05 AM
By Tim Sassone | Daily Herald Staff

No Khabibulin: The Hawks hoped Nikolai Khabibulin could return to practice Thursday, but it didn't happen.

Khabibulin has been sidelined since Feb. 11 with a lower body problem that's believed to be a groin.

"He was on skates a little bit (Thursday) and did some things, but we'll give him some time here," Joel Quenneville said.

Cristobal Huet starts against the Penguins tonight for the eighth straight game, but Quennevile said he was considering giving rookie Antti Niemi the start Sunday against Los Angeles.