Frustrated Huet waits for next start

TORONTO - Cristobal Huet knew what he was getting into, or did he?

When Huet signed that four-year contract as a free agent back in July, he knew Nikolai Khabibulin was still around. But nearly a quarter of the way into the season, Huet is sitting more that maybe even he expected.

The Hawks tried moving Khabibulin in training camp but couldn't, and since the season started, he has played the best, which has meant more bench time for Huet.

Khabibulin started his third straight game Saturday night against the Maple Leafs. It was his 12th start in 19 games.

"I understand, but it's still frustrating not to play," Huet said. "I didn't play well my last game and Nik has been playing very well. I just try to focus on the next game and make it difficult decision."

Huet has a 2.95 goals-against average and .900 save percentage, numbers that suffered in his last start, a 6-5 loss to San Jose last Sunday.

"The whole situation is a little bit frustrating, but I can only blame myself for playing not as good as I could," Huet said. "I just want to play well the next game, whenever that is."

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville knows Huet is frustrated.

"He's played a lot and expects to play, which we like," Quenneville said. "At the same time, I think there's got to be a little patience and understanding that you have to be ready to get your turn, and when you get your turn to take advantage of it. We certainly have confidence that he's capable of doing it, but Khabibulin has been real good.

"I think everybody wants to play and everybody wants to be the guy, and I think having a little bit of competitiveness and competition is healthy. They know, when they get in the net, they have chance to stay for a while. Habby's got the ball right now, and we'll see where it goes."

Byfuglien still out: Winger Dustin Byfuglien missed his second straight game Saturday with an undisclosed upper body injury.

Joel Quenneville expects Byfuglien to be available later in the road trip, which continues Wednesday at San Jose.

"We don't think it's serious in nature," Quenneville said. "We've said it's day to day, and we expect him on this trip."

Ben Eager again filled in for Byfuglien on the third line.

Condolences: General manager Dale Tallon's father, Stanley Tallon, 80, passed away Friday in Ontario after battling an illness.

The GM is expected to be away from the team until next week.

Clark honored: Maple Leafs great Wendel Clark was honored before Saturday's game when his jersey No. 17 was raised to the rafters at Air Canada Centre.

The Leafs don't retire numbers any longer since there are 16 players honored with banners. The only retired Toronto numbers are for Ace Bailey (6) and Bill Barilko (5).

Tip-ins: Wendel Clark played briefly for the Hawks (13 games) in the 1999-2000 season. ... Defenseman Brent Sopel (minus-7) was a healthy scratch for the third game in a row. ... The Hawks stayed in Toronto on Saturday night and were scheduled to practice Sunday before returning home.