Once jeered, now cheered, Khabibulin set for playoffs

How things have changed for Nikolai Khabibulin.

Blackhawks fans have always loved their goaltenders, but for Khabibulin's first three years in Chicago after signing what was then the richest contract in club history as a free agent at four years and $27 million, he was met with mostly a lukewarm response.

Khabibulin's play was inconsistent behind some mediocre teams, and he was often hurt.

But starting this week, Khabibulin has an opportunity to become Saint Nik around here as he leads the Hawks into the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Khabibulin is playing as well as any goaltender in the league at the moment, and he has been embraced by Hawks fans. They chanted his name during Sunday's 3-0 win over Detroit at the United Center with as much enthusiasm as they once did for Tony Esposito and Ed Belfour.

Goaltending is always a key in any type of playoff hockey, and the Hawks like their chances against the Calgary Flames with Khabibulin.

"If you look at playoffs, it's key to have a goalie playing at his level, and I don't think there are too many goalies at Khabby's level right now," Andrew Ladd said.

During the regular season, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville split the goaltending duties right down the middle with 40 starts each for Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet, but this is Khabibulin's time now.

"I think right down the stretch, every game he's been progressively getting better and better," Quenneville said. "He's had a tremendous season. We like what he brings to our team, and he's excited about the challenge and opportunity.

"The thing that can really help our team is his past experience because we're lacking in that area. He's given an indication that he can rise to the occasion, and we're going to need him."

Khabibulin led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup in 2004, but he won't compare this situation to that one. The Lightning won the Eastern Conference while the Hawks enter these playoffs as the fourth seed in the West with many of their young players lacking playoff experience.

"It's hard to compare because they're two different teams," Khabibulin said. "I like the way the team is playing right now, and I feel pretty good.

"I'm sure we'll have all kinds of meetings and we'll share some experiences about what it takes. I'm sure the younger guys are going to listen and ask questions. It takes a lot of things: character, determination, attention to details and a little bit of luck, too."

Playoffs is all about building momentum, which is what happened in Tampa and why Khabibulin hesitates to talk about how far the Hawks might be able to go.

"We thought that we had a pretty decent team (at Tampa), but I don't think we had expectations of winning the whole thing," Khabibulin said. "As we started playing we felt better and better and wanted it more and more. It kind of built up and before you know it you're in the Finals and you just go for it.

"I think the guys here are pretty confident. We had a decent year, and guys like each other and like to play for each other and stick up for each other. We have a good group of guys here and I think that's important in the playoffs when you want to do well for the guy sitting next to you."

Khabibulin's advice for his teammates is simple stuff.

"Obviously everybody steps it up a notch in the playoffs with physicality and speed, but at the same time it's the same game," Khabibulin said. "We don't want to start squeezing sticks, especially since we have such a young team. Sometimes you can get carried away and start making mental mistakes because you want to do so well. You want to stay on an even keel.

"If everybody does their job we have a good chance to win the series."

And beyond the first round?

"If a goalie gets hot, he can carry the whole playoff year," Khabibulin said. "It's happened before and I'm sure it will happen this year. I'd like to be that goalie."

Blackhawks vs. Flames

Game 1: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at United Center

Game 2: Saturday, 8 p.m. at United Center

Game 3: Monday, 8:30 p.m. at Calgary

Game 4: Wednesday, April 22, 9 p.m. at Calgary

Game 5: Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m. at United Center (if nec.)

Game 6: Monday, April 27, TBD, at Calgary (if nec.)

Game 7: Wednesday, April 29, TBD, at United Center (if nec.)

All telecasts on Comcast SportsNet Chicago; radio on WGN 720-AM

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