Khabibulin back in goal tonight

Blackhawks coach Denis Savard will go back to Nikolai Khabibulin as his starting goalie for Thursday night's game against Columbus at the United Center.

Khabibulin's last start was Jan. 11 in a 5-2 loss to Minnesota. He has watched backup Patrick Lalime start the last five games, winning four of them.

Savard thinks Khabibulin is ready to play again after working on his game with goalie coach Stephane Waite.

"Steph had some time to work with him and rebuild his confidence," Savard said. "I have a good feeling about him stepping up and playing well."

Savard admitted the Hawks are going to need Khabibulin in order to keep charging forward in the playoff race.

"We need both of them," Savard said. "Patty got us back in the race, there's no question, but it wasn't the fact Nik wasn't playing well. We weren't scoring for him. Was there a goal here and there that he wished he had back? No question, but he's our guy and I think that time to get away from the negative stuff, in his mind, will be good."

The Hawks on Thursday put Martin Lapointe on the injury list with a bruised kidney. Ben Eager came off IR and will be in the lineup against the Blue Jackets. Eager has missed the last 14 games with a concussion.

Savard also said Dustin Byfuglien would switch back to right wing from defense for the game.