Khabibulin might be back in net soon

Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin returned to practice Tuesday and could be back in the Blackhawks' lineup this weekend.

"He's much better today," coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was nice to see him in practice, and he looked pretty good, too. We'll visit with him (Wednesday) as far as exactly when he'll play, but he's close."

Khabibulin has missed the last 12 games with a groin injury.

Meanwhile, Martin Havlat didn't practice because of his lower-body injury and likely is doubtful for tonight's game against Carolina at the United Center even though Quenneville refused to rule out his star winger.

"He's day to day," Quenneville said. "He was much better today than he was when he left the game (Sunday)."

Tim Brent was recalled from Rockford and will play if Havlat can't.

"We'd miss Marty, but we still have a lot of talented players," Jonathan Toews said. "Everyone has got to step up."

Quenneville said Sammy Pahlsson might practice today or Thursday and that Patrick Sharp is set to resume light skating.

A big wind: The Hurricanes blow into town tonight having won four games in a row and 8 of 10. Carolina has scored 23 goals in the last four games. Eric Staal has been on fire, with a 4-goal game Saturday against Tampa Bay.

"They're one of the top teams in the league right now and scoring at a high rate," Joel Quenneville said. "They've got a lot of speed in their lineup and a lot of skill in a lot of their lines and dangerous off the rush. That should get our attention where we've got to be better defensively.

"We've got to slow these guys down in a low of ways. We don't want to think we have to create as much as they do. We've got to think let's check first because we know we can score goals. I think that having a defensive approach sometimes can help us."

Tip-ins: Cristobal Huet, 1-3 with a no-decision in his last five starts, starts in goal. - Huet spent Monday attending to the birth of his son, Ayden. - Andrew Ladd sat out practice Tuesday to rest a leg problem. - The Hawks still are fifth in the NHL in defense with a 2.50 team goals-against average despite allowing 10 goals in two games over the weekend.

Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WGN 720-AM

At a glance: The Hurricanes, in a mad scramble to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, have scored 23 goals during a four-game winning streak. This is the only meeting of the season between the two teams and marks Tuomo Ruutu's first game against the Hawks since he was traded in February 2008. Ruutu has 20 goals and 25 assists.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday