No (Niko)Lai-Ing: Khabibulin Wants to Be Number One in Chicago

Maybe two goalies isn't a bad thing?

Last night Nikolai Khabibulin shut out the previously-undefeated Edmonton Oilers at the United Center in his second-consecutive quality start.

Since the start of the regular season, and the end of alleged negotiations to sell his contract to a Russian team, the veteran goaltender has been competing like the veteran he is for time on the ice.

Meanwhile, Cristobal Huet was on the bench, earning his new contract by watching.

Many fans in Chicago, including a number of contributors to Bleacher Report, have raised issues with the Hawks employing more than one high-priced goaltender. In fact, these sentiments echo the publicly-stated feelings of the franchise, when General Manager Dale Tallon allowed two minor league goaltenders to see significant ice time during the preseason while Khabibulin watched in street clothes.

But if Khabibulin continues to work like he did on Wednesday night against good teams, not only will the Hawks have one of the premier goaltenders of his generation in his top form, but Huet will need to bring his best to earn ice time.

I agree that the Hawks need to settle on a Number One and a Number Two—however, having attended the Edmonton game I can report there was a noticeable respect between Huet and Khabibulin. After the game, Huet was the last teammate to congratulate the veteran on his excellent night, and the exchange seemed genuine. I will also caution awarding the job to Khabibulin without giving Huet his chance to win the starting job.

While I wish the goalie competition had taken place before the season started, the biggest takeaway I brought home with me from the Edmonton game was the difference between Denis Savard's version of the Hawks and the Joel Quenneville edition. The skating on the defensive end of the ice is like night and day, and the the offense is not even working in the same language.

Consider thislast night the Blackhawks had as many shorthanded shots on the goal in the first period shorthanded as the Oilers did in total for the period.

The skating has become more crisp, the passing lanes have become more defined, and the spacing on the ice on both ends is precise. The influence of a coach like Quenneville is tangible, and it is making an immediate impact on the young Hawks.

I am not giving Quenneville complete credit for Khabibulin stopping all 23 shots he faced. But when the team is constantly attacking on offense and doesn't allow the opponent to get a lengthy offensive set inside the blue line by checking well and breaking up passing lanes, it makes a goaltender's life significantly easier.

I am, however, giving Khabibulin credit for coming to the rink ready to work and compete for a win—and more ice time.