Khabibulin's strong play keeps Huet on the bench

Cristobal Huet is a lonely guy these days.

Like the backup quarterback or the third utility infielder on a baseball team, being the backup to a starting goalie in the NHL playoffs can be a tough existence.

Just ask Huet, who after basically splitting the regular season goaltending duties with Nikolai Khabibulin, now finds himself watching from the bench thanks to Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville's decision to ride Khabibulin to open the NHL playoffs, the Hawks' first postseason appearance since 2002.

"I wouldn't say tough, but it's not easy," the soft-spoken Huet said. "All I can do is stay sharp in case something happens."

Khabibulin finished the regular season with a 25-8-7 record and was fourth in the NHL with a 2.33 goals-against average while Huet went 20-15-4. But it was the Bulin Wall's play down the stretch - 8-1-1 with a pair of shutouts - that seemed to sway Quenneville.

"Khabby's been playing so well for us; he could be the MVP of the team this season," said the 34-year-old Huet, who was signed as a free agent on July 1. "He's been great for us."

In Game 1 against the Calgary Flames, Khabibulin turned back 23 shots - many in spectacular fashion - to lead the Hawks to a 3-2 overtime victory over Calgary.

Khabibulin was in net again Saturday for Game 2, making 30 saves to help the Hawks grab a 2-0 series lead.

Monday night in Calgary, the Flames struck back with 4 goals, firing 28 shots at Khabibulin, although defensive mistakes in the third period contributed to a pair of goals. The second goal by Calgary was a bank shot from behind the net that went off of Khabibulin's pads.

If the former Stanley Cup champion eventually leads the Hawks past the Flames in the series, Huet will be the first one to congratulate him.

"It's not a question of ego, we're playing for the Indian head and we have a shot at the Cup like everyone else does," Huet said. "We all want to go in the same direction."

And right now that means Khabibulin between the pipes, which means all Huet can do is practice hard, stay focused and be ready to go if and when the call comes.

"I feel fresh; I've had good practices and I'm mentally ready," Huet said. "There's nothing I can do except make sure I'm ready if needed."