Khabibulin earns some redemption

Nikolai Khabibulin no doubt played his way back into the Blackhawks' goalie rotation with his strong performance in Thursday's 1-0 loss to Columbus.

"He was outstanding," said coach Denis Savard. "With his character and his leadership and the way he is as a person, I think he's going to be fine."

Khabibulin has lost his last eight starts, but his play against the Blue Jackets was encouraging. The only goal he allowed was on a Jared Boll redirection.

"I'm happy with the way I played and hopefully I'll be able to build on this game the next game I play," Khabibulin said. "I didn't feel that great, but early in the game they had a few shots and I kind of got into it. After that, I felt OK."

It was Khabibulin's first start since a Jan. 11 loss to Minnesota.

"Pat (Lalime) was playing well and we were getting wins, so all I could do really was sit and watch," Khabibulin said. "I used the time to practice and clear up my head a little bit. Hopefully after the all-star break everyone will get refreshed and we'll start over."

Khabibulin planned to spend the break at his home in the Phoenix area.

Kids play: Rookie Patrick Kane was looking forward to getting to Atlanta and participating in all-star weekend.

Kane will be on the ice tonight in the 3-on-3 Young Stars game at Philips Arena.

"It'll be nice to go down there and be part of what the NHL is all about, see the greatest players in the game, watch them and be part of all the festivities," Kane said.

The 3-on-3 format could lead to some special moments from Kane.

"It'll be fun to watch," Denis Savard said. "He'll really shine for sure in that game. He's shining at this level here in regular games."

Three sent down: Center Jake Dowell, winger Jack Skille and defenseman Jordan Hendry were sent to Rockford on Friday with the start of the all-star break.

The Hawks don't practice again until Monday. Barring a trade, it's likely Skille will be back after scoring 3 goals with 2 assists in 13 games and the Hawks in dire need of offense.

Trade winds: Not only has Hawks pro scout Marc Bergevin been following the Tampa Bay Lightning this week, so has Dallas Stars co-general manager Brett Hull.

There has been speculation that if the Lightning trades for a goalie, it could be the Stars' Marty Turco and not Nikolai Khabibulin.