Backup goalie job up for grabs

The competition for the backup goaltending job began Sunday with Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville repeating what general manager Stan Bowman said that there is no clear-cut favorite between rookies Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi.

"Both guys look like they want a challenge and want the opportunity," Quenneville said following Sunday's first scrimmages. "It's a great chance for both of them and I'm sure it will get clear as we go along here.

"I think both guys are deserving and can be good goalies at this level. The upside is there. We're anxious to find out how it plays out."

Neither goalie dazzled Sunday. Niemi allowed 2 goals in the first two minutes of the 25 minutes he played but rebounded and got better.

"I'm very objective and open minded about who's going to get the call, but a lot of times those decisions are sorted out by how they play," Quenneville said. "They're going to show us on the ice."

Bolland slowed: Center Dave Bolland sat out Sunday's scrimmages with a lower body injury that isn't believed to be serious.

"We expect him on the ice in about three days," Quenneville said.

Numbers game: In an odd request from a guy trying to get out from under Nikolai Khabibulin's shadow, Cristobal Huet has changed his uniform number from 38 to 39.

"It's always been my number," Huet said of 39.

It was also Khabibulin's number for the last three seasons with the Hawks. Winger Jack Skille now wears No. 20 with veteran center John Madden taking over his 11.

Tip-in: The Hawks will scrimmage again today at Johnny's Ice House before moving to the United Center for the rest of the week.