Khabibulin sidelined with strained knee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. _ The Blackhawks will be without goalie Nikolai Khabibulin today after he sprained his knee in Wednesday's 7-2 road win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It is not known how long Khabibulin will be sidelined, but it is not consider a serious injury and he may get back on the ice on Saturday to test the knee.

As previously scheduled, Patrick Lalime will start in goal tonight for the Hawks in Nashville

General Manager Dale Tallon recalled goaltender Corey Crawford on Thursday from the Rockford IceHogs. Crawford, a Montreal native, has appeared in 44 games at Rockford with a record of 24-13-5 and a a goals-against average of 2.72 and a .911 save percentage.

Also on Thursday, the Blackhawks assigned forward Jack Skille to Rockford.