Hawks' Khabibulin happy where he is now
Nikolai Khabibulin doesn't want to go anywhere.
At least that's how Khabibulin made it sound Wednesday amid continuing speculation that the Blackhawks are looking to deal the 35-year-old goaltender in order to get his $6.75 million salary cap hit off the books.
The Hawks then would use that money in their pursuit of a top-six forward.
Khabibulin says he is having fun getting the majority of starts for a winning team.
"I'm just trying to enjoy every day that I'm here," Khabibulin said. "I'm loving it. The fans have been great. There are so many positives this year with the organization. So far it's been great and I'm liking it here."
Khabibulin's name surfaced in nearly every story and Internet blog Tuesday after the New Jersey Devils announced Martin Brodeur would need surgery on his left biceps and be lost for 3-4 months.
Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said he planned to call the Devils, although New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello claimed he was in no hurry to trade for another goalie.
Many believe that if backup Kevin Weekes falters as Brodeur's replacement, the Devils will go after Edmonton's Dwayne Roloson, who is a cheaper alternative to Khabibulin.
"I don't read the news or anything," Khabibulin said. "I'm just a hockey player. I don't read newspaper or anything like that."
Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet have a combined .915 save percentage and the Hawks' 2.51 team goals-against average put them 10th in the NHL's defense rankings through Tuesday's games.
While both goalies have played well, Khabibulin believes it's because the overall team defense has improved.
"I think it's more mostly how the team is playing," Khabibulin said. "Our defensive zone coverage has improved quite a bit, we're playing better in the defensive zone and guys are backchecking a lot harder.
"We don't really give up too many odd-man rushes. Most of the shots we can see, which makes it easier for the goalies. If you see a shot it's a lot easier to stop than if you have to find it through traffic."
Khabibulin likes just about everything he has seen going on in front of him since Joel Quenneville took over as coach.
"I think having Joel come in, it gives us more confidence as a team," Khabibulin said. "I think in the third periods you can see we don't try to sit back and hang on to the lead. We go and try to get another goal or two. I think he's been a big plus."
While others might be either surprised or impressed at how well Khabibulin has handled the situation since training camp that started with him going on waivers, he shrugs off the compliments.
"That's because the team is winning," Khabibulin said. "When you're winning it's obviously a lot easier to come to the rink and practice and play games. "Whenever I get the call, I go play. I don't really try to put too much thought into it. I just go out and have fun and enjoy it."
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