Oilers' Khabibulin Likely To Move On From Edmonton
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is unlikely to be back with the Oilers for the 2013-14 season, Sportsnet's Mark Spector reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin gave the Oilers a respectable backup last season, but it sounds like he will have a new home for the 2013-14 campaign if he decides to play another year. At the age of 40, and with a Stanley Cup victory to his name, the veteran netminder may decide to hang up his skates.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 38 shots in Friday's win over Minnesota giving him his fourth win of the season.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin ceded much of his playing time to Devan Dubnyk this season and battled some minor injuries. His best days are clearly behind him, but this is a goaltender who won a Stanley Cup nine seasons ago. The Oilers have struggled to play consistently this season and Khabibulin was the team's backup. If he decides to retire, he'll have one more Stanley Cup ring than most of the league's players.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start at goalie Friday against the Wild, the Edmonton Sun reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is riding a three-game losing streak into Friday. He faces a tough foe in a Wild team that needs a win to make the playoffs and will be plenty aggressive taking shots.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin let in three goals on 28 shots in a loss to the Ducks on Monday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has started three games in April, and has lost all three while letting in at least three goals. The 40-year-old netminder's NHL career is essentially over.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is slated to start Monday's game against the Ducks, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin (3-5-1) gets his third start of the month Monday, on the heels of Devan Dubnyk tending net for the Oilers in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Ducks.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals for the third straight game as Edmonton fell at home to rival Calgary on Saturday, 4-1.
Analysis: This three-game skid has cost him dearly in terms of his overall numbers, now 2.66, .919. Edmonton has now lost five straight games, and the team's playoff hopes are growing slim. If the Oilers are eliminated, expect Devan Dubnyk to get most of the starts thereafter, since the 40-year-old Nikolai Khabibulin is not the goalie of the future on anyone's squad.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal against the Flames on Saturday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin struggled in his previous two outings, allowing four goals in each game with a combined save percentage of just .837. He will look to get back on track against a Calgary squad that ranks 14th in the NHL with 2.7 goals per game and 29th in the league with 3.4 goals allowed per game.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will once again be between the pipes for the Oilers on Thursday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: No surprise here after the performance Nikolai put on in net Monday versus the Blues. The Oilers still believe they have a shot to make the playoffs so they are going to go with the hot hand in net, and right now that hand belongs to Nikolai Khabibulin.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped all 43 shots the Blues put on him Tuesday for his first shutout of the season.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall was on point in this one, his second start in three days -- but just his sixth of the season. At 40 years old, he's still a fine backup goalie.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Tuesday's game against the Blues.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin, who will give Devan Dubnyk, Monday's starter, a breather Tuesday, will be making his sixth start of the season, with his last turn coming in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Blues.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin gave up three goals and got no offensive support whatsoever Saturday as the Oilers fell at home to St. Louis, 3-0. He made 22 saves in the game.
Analysis: He'll probably head back to the end of the bench, as we expect Devan Dubnyk to get the lion's share of the starts from here on out.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against St. Louis on Saturday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has a 2.11 GAA and a save percentage of .935 this year, but it's on a small sample size (five games), and St. Louis is a fairly tough opponent. Khabibulin ideally isn't your first option Saturday.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin likely not to get a start in net until the Oilers next play back to back games, March 25-26, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is fully recovered from his groin injury, but Devan Dubnyk is playing well and the Oilers are likely to ride him for the remainder of the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin was activated off IR on Tuesday and will be available off the bench Friday, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin was away from the Oilers during the team's road trip to attend to the groin injury, giving Yann Danis some time as the primary backup. It's unlikely Khabibulin gets the start in goal in his first game back with Dubnyk coming off his first shutout of the season Tuesday against the Avalanche.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) still isn't close to returning, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is not expected to join the Oilers on their current road trip and coach Ralph Krueger mentioned that once Khabibulin is cleared to return to the ice the team wants to give him one full week of rehab work before he were to play in a game.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) is slated for an MRI.
Analysis: With Nikolai Khabibulin out, Yann Danis will serve in a backup capacity for the Oilers. The Oilers hope that Khabibulin could be available at some point before the end of their current road trip, which runs through March 12.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (undisclosed injury) has been place on IR, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: More on Nikolai Khabibulin's injury as it becomes available, but to replace him in the team's netminding mix, the Oilers have recalled Yann Danis from AHL Oklahoma City.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 31 saves on 34 shots in an overtime loss at the hands of the Blackhawks on Monday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has a stellar .935 save percentage and a 2.11 GAA this season, but he's only played in five games, so the sample size is clearly limited.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal Monday, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is 2-2 with a 1.89 GAA and a .942 save percentage this season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Saturday against the Coyotes.
Analysis: With Devyn Dubnyk allowing three or more goals in four of his last five starts, the Oilers will turn to Nikolai Khabibulin for the third time in four games. Despite his advancing age, Khabibulin has remained steady in his three games this season, posting a 1.91 GAA and a .940 save percentage.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin finished with 34 saves and was strong in the shootout in a 3-2 win over the Coyotes on Saturday.
Analysis: He's certainly improving his trade stock with performances like this. The 40-year-old could really help a playoff team.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin saved 35 of 37 Tuesday against the Kings, but ended up on the losing end.
Analysis: It was just Nikolai Khabibulin's third game and second start of the year as the backup to Devan Dubnyk. The Oilers have gotten good play from both netminders, but have struggled to score despite a wealth of offensive talent. As a little-used backup on a goal-starved team, Khabibulin's got marginal fantasy value.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal for the Oilers on Tuesday against the Kings.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin, who played well in relief of Devan Dubnyk on Saturday -- stopping 16-of-17 shots in two periods of action -- will get a chance Tuesday to build on that solid effort against the 5-6-2 Kings.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin may get the start Tuesday, if the morning skate is any indication, according to Ryan Rishaug of TSN.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin played well in relief of Devan Dubnyk Saturday, and it looks like he may get a chance to build on that effort Tuesday night against the Kings.
News: After starter Devan Dubnyk surrendered three first-period goals to the Avs on Saturday, Nikolai Khabibulin came on in relief and was solid the rest of the way. He yielded just one goal on 17 shots, allowing the Oilers to claw their way back into the contest and eventually win it, 6-4.
Analysis: Even though The Wall is posting excellent numbers based on just a couple of games played, Dubnyk is not going to be moved from the starter's slot easily.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 28 shots in a 2-1 loss at Detroit on Saturday.
Analysis: After missing the start of the season with a hip injury, Nikolai Khabibulin showed no signs of rust in a difficult matinee matchup Saturday. It's unclear how much playing time he will take away from Devan Dubnyk now that he's healthy again, but Khabibulin could become a trade target for a club in need of goaltending help later this season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) has been cleared to resume playing.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has not played this season while completing his recovery from offseason hip surgery, but team doctors believe he is ready to get back on the ice. Khabibulin will serve as the backup behind Devan Dubnyk, but it's likely he will see his fair share of starts considering the duo nearly split them down the middle last season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) is getting closer to a return to action, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is to meet with the doctors Tuesday to determine if he can return to practice. Even when he is ready to play, he'll be relegated to backing up Devan Dubnyk.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) indicates that he is "going day-by-day right now," but will start the season on the Oilers' injured list.
Analysis: With Nikolai Khabibulin unavailable to start the season, Yann Danis will break camp with the Oilers to work in tandem with Devan Dubnyk.
News: Yann Danis has been recalled by the Oilers because Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) has yet to be medically cleared, the team's official site reports. "We want Yann to come in here, experience camp and get comfortable in case Khabby isn't good to go for Sunday," according to coach Ralph Krueger.
Analysis: There continues to be uncertainly as to whether or not Nikolai Khabibulin, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, will be ready for Sunday's season opener, but even if he's not, it doesn't seem likely he'll miss much time.
News: Updating an earlier report, Nikolai Khabibulin's (hip) teammate Yann Danis is not at training camp with the Oilers.
Analysis: In terms of goaltenders, only Nikolai Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk are in attendance, which at least circumstantially suggests that Khabibulin is in line to be ready to open the season.
News: With Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) listed as injured, Yann Danis is on hand as the Oilers open their training camp, 630ched.com reports.
Analysis: It's unclear at this point if Nikolai Khabibulin, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, will be good to go for the Oilers' opener, but he has indicated that he is hopeful on that front.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (hip) was able to skate Monday with the trainers, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is still recovering from offseason hip surgery and wouldn't have been ready to play early this season even if there was no lockout. Khabibulin will back up Devan Dubnyk if and when the 2012-13 season begins.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin has lingering hip/groin issues from last season, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: There's no information on the severity of the injury, but it must be serious enough if he's still suffering in late October. He's in the last year of his contract and needs to get in game shape fast in order to get a contract extension.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net for the Oilers Friday against the Kings, according to Dan Tencer of Oilers Radio.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin earned a shutout in his lone outing against the Kings this season stopping all 19 shots they threw at him to up his career record against the club from Southern California to 20-11-2.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 21 shots through 65 minutes of play Thursday against Tampa, then allowed three shootout goals on six tries to take the eventual loss -- his sixth in a row.
Analysis: The Oilers did their best to make up for the veteran goalie's shortcomings in the shootout, getting goals from Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky, but it wasn't enough. Nikolai Khabibulin hasn't won in his last seven starts dating back to Feb. 15 and is an unreliable fantasy option as Devan Dubnyk's backup.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will be in net for the Oilers Thursday against the Lighting, according to Jack Michaels of Oilers' Television.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has really slumped after an unbelievably hot start to the season. Since the All-Star break he has been useless with a 3.39 GAA an one victory in eight games.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Saturday against Colorado, according to Oilers Radio analyst Bob Stauffer.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has just a single win to his credit since the start of January, and is just 12-19-5 on the season thus far. Khabibulin's best days are clearly behind him, but given the two years remaining on his four-year, $15 million contract, the Oilers have some tough decisions to make in terms of what to do with him next season. For now, with Devan Dubnyk out with a groin injury, he will continue to see the majority of starts for the Oilers.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Thursday against the Canadiens, according to Dan Tencer of Oilers Radio.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has lost each of his last three decisions and still has only one victory since Christmas.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin gave up four goals on 30 shots in a loss at the hands of Anaheim on Monday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has a .912 save percentage and a 2.93 GAA on the season, but he owes a lot of that to a hot start to the season that seems like ages ago now.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against Anaheim on Monday, EdmontonOilers.com reports.
Analysis: Coming off a game in which he allowed two goals on 14 shots, it's possible that Nikolai Khabibulin is still dealing with the groin injury that caused him to miss time prior to Friday.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal Friday against Dallas, the Oilers' official Twitter page reports.
Analysis: This will mark Nikolai Khabibulin's return from a Feb. 19 groin injury, and he will replace Devan Dubnyk, who has struggled in net (13-16-1, 2.93 GAA). Khabibulin's win-loss record isn't better (12-16-5), but his 2.60 GAA may help cool off a Dallas team that has won four-of-five games.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) has been cleared to return to the Oilers, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: Devan Dubnyk has been starting with Nikolai Khabibulin out of the lineup, but had to be pulled from the game Wednesday due to a poor performance. Khabibulin seems likely to start Friday versus Dallas.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) did not start in Monday's game against the Jets, his former team, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall badly wanted to return for this one but coach Tom Renney decided to give his goaltender a little bit more time. The Oilers got the win anyway, as Devan Dubnyk was the game's second star with 29 saves.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) will likely start tonight for the Oilers, according to The Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Edmonton has struggled on the road this year with a 8-20-2 away record, so the odds are against Nikolai Khabibulin getting a win tonight.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) is ready to return to the Oilers lineup, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin would like to start Monday versus Winnipeg but the Oilers have yet to name a starter for the contest. The Oilers may wait until after the trade deadline before deciding on who should start versus the Jets.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) was back at practice with the Oilers on Friday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin looked good in practice and could return between the pipes as soon as Monday, assuming he is not dealt by the trade deadline.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) will miss 7-10 days, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin suffered the groin injury during Sunday's loss to the Canucks. Expect Devan Dubnyk to take over goaltending duties until Khabibulin returns.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Sunday's game against the Canucks, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has given up 15 goals over his last four starts and he'll have his work cut out for him Sunday against a Vancouver team that has won three straight and sits second overall in the NHL standings.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin suffered a sore groin during Sunday's loss to the Canucks, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: He missed the last two periods while allowing two goals in the first, then Devan Dubnyk finished out the loss and didn't look much better. The Bulin Wall has sprung a few leaks lately, as he has just one win since the calendar turned to 2012.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 15 saves on 17 shots against Vancouver on Sunday. He only played 19:58, while Devan Dubnyk took the loss.
Analysis: After a great start, Nikolai Khabibulin crashed to Earth and now sports a .914 save percentage and a 2.60 GAA. Hopefully you sold high on him.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start Sunday's game against the Canucks, Dan Tencer of CHED Edmonton reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin, who has surrendered 15 goals over his last four starts, will have his work cut out for him Sunday against a Vancouver team that has won three straight and is breathing down Detroit's neck for the NHL's points lead.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin, who backstopped Saturday's 4-3 win over Ottawa, will start Wednesday's game against the Leafs, Dan Tencer of CHED Edmonton reports.
Analysis: It will be the third straight start for Nikolai Khabibulin, who has given up 11 goals in that span.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin was lights-out Saturday in a 4-3 OT over Ottawa. He made 39 saves.
Analysis: He was the reason his team even got a shot at the win -- he just kept turning the Sens away when things got dangerous. It's a huge win for the Bulin Wall as he hadn't netted a win since Dec. 22. It's clear the old man can still pull out the stops on occasion but spot duty based on strength of schedule is about the only way to stomach him.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Saturday versus Ottawa, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin played better than his numbers would indicate in Wednesday's loss to Detroit, 26 saves on 30 shots, so he will get another chance against the Senators on Saturday.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start Wednesday's game against the Red Wings, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: The Red Wings sit atop the NHL standings with 72 points, but they have dropped two straight, while allowing eight goals in the process.
News: The Flames dusted Nikolai Khabibulin for four goals on 16 shots in two periods Saturday. He was held back at the start of the third frame in favor of backup Devan Dubnyk with the score 4-0; the Flames went on to win, 6-2.
Analysis: We've felt for quite a while that Nikolai Khabibulin was biding time in the crease until Dubnyk took over as Edmonton's No. 1 goaltender. An outing like this should hasten the arrival of that day.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start in goal Saturday against Calgary, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin's fiery return to earth following his 7-0-1 run to start the season has been spectacular, in a multi-car-pile-up sort of way. Khabibulin is now a dismal 4-14-2 dating back to Nov. 11, and represents a serious fantasy risk for all owners out there. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin had a great game Thursday against St. Louis, stopping 37 of 38, but Jaroslav Halak cruised to a shutout on the other end.
Analysis: That's seven losses in a row for Nikolai Khabibulin, but it's tough to pin this one on him, as he did yeoman's work in keeping the puck out of the net for 64 minutes of this game before Alex Pietrangelo put one by him. Meanwhile, the Oilers' offense, short Taylor Hall (face) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder), put just 15 shots on Halak. Awful tough to win when your team's shot total is more than doubled by the opposition.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start in goal Thursday against the Blues, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin will try to snap his six-game losing streak Thursday against the surprising Blues, who have 60 points in 45 games to date.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin was off the ice first Thursday morning, which means he is likely the Oilers' starter for the team's night game against the Blues, NHL.com's Lou Korac reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin will try to snap his six-game losing streak Thursday against a Blues squad that has won two straight contests.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against Anaheim on Friday, EdmontonOilers.com reports.
Analysis: Anaheim is atrocious on the road (3-10-6), so Nikolai Khabibulin might get enough help from his teammates to get the win. Although he's 11-12-4 as a starter, Khabibulin is allowing just 2.34 goals per game, though a lot of his best games came early in the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will tend the net for the Oilers on Wednesday against the Devils, according to Gene Principe of SportsNet.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has allowed 16 goals over his last four outings as his slide to mediocrity continues unabated after a spectacular start to the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on 33 shots in Tuesday's loss to Buffalo and has allowed 13 goals in his last three starts.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall is doing little to earn himself the confidence of Edmonton's coaching staff, especially with the efforts put forth lately by Devan Dubnyk. His play has been spotty lately and it's hard to endorse him at this point.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start Tuesday against the Sabres, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: It sounded like Bulin Wall was going to start Monday in Chicago, but a late announcement was made that Devan Dubnyk would start that one. The Oilers could surprise like they did Monday, and Buffalo is not nearly the opponent lately as Chicago has been, but the Oilers are banged up and playing a rested team, while Nikolai Khabibulin is coming off a December where he allowed 21 goals in seven starts. It's enough to at least consider another option.
News: Updating previous reports, Devan Dubnyk, not Nikolai Khabibulin, will start against Chicago on Monday, CSN Chicago's Tracey Myers reports.
Analysis: Like Nikolai Khabibulin, Dubnyk is not an advised start Monday.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against Chicago on Monday, CSN Chicago's Tracey Myers reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is playing well this year on the whole, but he's not an advised start against a Chicago team that's 14-3-3 at home.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on 19 shots Thursday against Minnesota and was replaced for the third period by Devan Dubnyk, who stopped all nine shots he faced.
Analysis: After a hot start to the year, Nikolai Khabibulin's been doing a whole lot of losing, as he's dropped seven of his last nine games, six of them in regulation.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start for the Oilers when they take on the Wild on Thursday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has been ice cold of late but has a good matchup against the offensively challenged Wild, plus Minnesota will be playing the second half of back to back games.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start Monday versus Vancouver, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: It's not a good match-up going up against the Sedin twins Monday night, and it also doesn't help that the "Bulin Wall" has shown some cracks of late. It could be best to go in a different direction if you have that option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin only made 21 saves on 26 shots in a loss to Vancouver on Monday.
Analysis: A bad start, but Nikolai Khabibulin still has a .927 save percentage and a 2.14 GAA, both top 10 in the league.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 30 saves on 31 shots Thursday in a win over Minnesota.
Analysis: The Russian netminder had cooled off recently, dropping five of his last six starts despite playing reasonably well, so it's good to see him get some support in the 4-1 victory.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net Thursday for the Oilers against the Wild, according to The Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin lost his first game this season against the Wild despite allowing only two goals on 29 shots, though he has allowed at least three goals in three of his last four games on the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin saw three pucks get past him on 28 shots in a loss to Detroit on Monday.
Analysis: While Nikolai Khabibulin's overall numbers are still really good -- he has a .931 save percentage and a 2.05 GAA -- the wins are getting harder to come by, and his career numbers make it seem likely the rest of the numbers will decrease as the season goes on as well.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against Detroit on Monday, EdmontonOilers.com reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has done very well for himself this year, boasting a GAA of 2.00 and a save percentage of .932, but he's still a bit of a risky start Monday. Detroit shut out Edmonton the last time Khabibulin saw the Red Wings, leaving him with a 3-0 loss.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 37 shots as the Oilers dropped a tight contest at San Jose on Saturday.
Analysis: He faced 14 shots in each of the last two periods, so the Oilers definitely got a full night's labor from him. This outing won't directly cost him ice time, but we still suspect that Devan Dubnyk is going to supplant Nikolai Khabibulin as the team's No. 1 goalie before the end of the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Saturday at San Jose, according to Oilers reporter Tom Gazzola.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has a respectable 10-6-3 record so far this season, along with a 1.95 GAA and .933 save percentage, so you'd think he'd be a top fantasy goalie option with numbers like those. However, making just his third start in the last six games, Khabibulin is splitting time more evenly these days with backup Devan Dubnyk, which reduces his fantasy attractiveness significantly. Use him whenever you get the chance, but always have another goalie option ready just in case he sits.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin (undisclosed) returned to practice Wednesday, according to the Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin did not skate for a few days, but the fact the Oilers termed those "maintenance days" indicates Khabibulin is not dealing with any sort of setback. Still, given his multi-day absence, be sure to check Khabibulin's status again instead of assuming he will start Thursday's game against the Coyotes.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin missed practice again Tuesday, Dan Tencer of CHED Edmonton reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has sat out four days in a row, so his injury seems to be growing troublesome even if the details are not available. Consider Khabibulin day-to-day until the team updates his status.
Oilers' Khabibulin Misses Third Straight Practice Monday
News:Nikolai Khabibulin did not practice Monday, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED Edmonton reports.
Analysis: This is the third consecutive day Nikolai Khabibulin has had off but no word of an injury. Right now it appears Devan Dubnyk will start Thursday against Phoenix, but nothing's official yet.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start for the Oilers on Friday against the Avalanche, according to the Oilers' Official Twitter Page.
Analysis: Nikolai continues to have one of the most impressive rebound seasons in recent memory. Still, he hasn't been winning many games of late with just two victories in his last five starts.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on 31 shots Saturday against Calgary. The Flames added a late goal through a vacant crease to take a 5-3 win.
Analysis: This season has been a split tale for The Wall. Act I featured a 7-0-2 start with unearthly composite statistics; Act II, starting on November 11, has gone 2-6-1 with pedestrian numbers. We hope you sold high, back in November when his stats would beggar Ken Dryden's. Even if you didn't, his season-long stats still look impressive enough (2.00, .932) that you might be able to get a solid deal for him from an owner who doesn't pay attention to recent performance.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Saturday's game against the Flames, according to Dan Tencer of 630 CHED Radio.
Analysis: With just two wins in his last eight appearances, Nikolai Khabibulin has cooled off considerably following his torrid start to the season that saw him win seven of his first nine games. His secondary stats remain strong, however (1.88 GAA, .935 save percentage) so he's likely not hurting you if your fantasy league counts those categories. The Oilers are a much-improved team compared to last year, so Khabibulin should continue to be a good (but not elite) source of fantasy goalie production going forward.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin only let in two goals Monday against Nashville, but still took the loss.
Analysis: For those waiting for Nikolai Khabibulin to regress, it has not happened yet, as he has a .936 save percentage and a 1.88 GAA. Still, he remains a sell-high candidate right now, because eventually his numbers will drop to some degree.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal Monday against Nashville, the team's official Twitter page reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin will be appearing in his 16th game of the season Monday night. His career numbers indicate that his current 1.87 GAA will climb in the coming months and while he may be a perfect sell-high candidate, he has been good this season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start for the Oilers versus the Wild on Friday, according to Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: In four of his last five outings the Bulin Wall has allowed at least three goals, and there's still plenty of room for that to continue given that his current GAA is 1.86. If you can move him as an elite option, it would be wise to explore that option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 31 saves on 34 shots but took the loss Monday against the Stars.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has yet to regress, as he still has a .936 SV% and .186 GAA. Those numbers won't continue, and you may want to sell high, but at least he hasn't fallen apart yet.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal Monday against Dallas, the Oilers' official Twitter page reports.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is coming off a good game Saturday and has played in 13 games for Edmonton so far this season. He has been impressive, posting an 8-3-2 record and a 1.76 GAA. The 38-year-old allowed three goals in just 20 minutes on Nov. 17 against Ottawa, but it appears he is back to form and remains a top tier fantasy option at goalie when he plays.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin was the beneficiary of an extraordinary offensive outburst by his teammates Saturday as Edmonton beat Chicago, 9-2. The only two goals he surrendered came on Blackhawk power plays.
Analysis: If it's possible to collect an easy win while making 34 saves, Nikolai Khabibulin did that on this night. The Oilers now hop a flight to Dallas to take on the Stars on Monday; we'll see if the coaching staff sends him out for that contest, too.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start Saturday against the Blackhawks, according to the Oilers' official Twitter feed.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has fallen back to Earth a bit lately, with 11 goals allowed in his three games, and that includes just one period Thursday where he was pulled after allowing three first-period goals. At least he'll get a Blackhawks team traveling after playing a Friday night game, one in which they were pummeled by the Flames.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin lasted just a period, giving up three goals on seven shots, Thursday against the Senators.
Analysis: Backup Devan Dubnyk wasn't much better in relief, as he faced only nine shots through two periods, but gave up two goals. Nikolai Khabibulin has been faltering of late, losing three straight and allowing a combined 11 goals over seven periods.
News: The Oilers will start Nikolai Khabibulin on Thursday night against the Senators, according to Danb Tencer of 630 CHED Radio.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has a dreadful career record of 5-9-2 against the Senators, and he's coming off his two worst games of the season (eight goals in two games). Nikolai has been so amazing this year you simply have to start him tonight, but realize the time to sell high on the Russian born keeper may be dwindling.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin only stopped 29 of the 34 shots he faced in a loss to Chicago on Sunday.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin's numbers on the season are still among the best in the league, but based on last season's performance and the sample size so far, a game like this has to be, at least, mildly concerning. Still, don't act too rashly based on one game.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Sunday against Chicago, the Oilers' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: He continues to be one of the biggest surprises of the season as his loss Friday in Detroit was the first time he's been beaten in regulation this season (7-1-2). It's a tough spot on the road in Chicago, however, so you may want to tread carefully in this matchup.
Oilers' Khabibulin Surrenders Three in Loss to Detroit
News:Nikolai Khabibulin gave up three goals on 30 shots in the loss Friday night to Detroit.
Analysis: The effort Friday night will push Nikolai Khabibulin's GAA over 1.00 but he is still a solid play in fantasy formats. His age is showing as he doesn't start in back to back games anymore but other then that flaw Khabibulin is still a stud between the pipes and should be active in all leagues.
Khabibulin Expected To Start For Edmonton Versus Detroit Friday
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start against the Wings on Friday, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Friday is the second half of back to back games, and with Devan Dubnyk starting against the Bruins on Thursday, that leaves Nikolai Khabibulin to go against Detroit on Friday.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 28 of 29 Montreal shots to get the win Tuesday night.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin has been playing so well that the one goal allowed actually inched his GAA by a smidge up from his 0.98 mark heading into the game.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will be in the net for the Oilers during their battle with the Habs on Tuesday, according to J-F Chaumont of The Montreal Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is a must start right now. He has allowed only eight goals in eight games this season, picking up six wins and two overtime losses in the process.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start Thursday night against the Kings, according to the Oilers' official Twitter feed.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall is on absolute fire this season, with a 5-0-2 record, 1.12 GAA, and .960 save percentage. He's also won four in a row, and hasn't allowed more than two goals in a game all season. Despite all that, the Oilers are actually heavy underdogs against a strong Kings team that will be at home with a likely starting goalie (Jonathan Quick) who's been almost as good as Nikolai Khabibulin. Something has to give here in what should be a good game.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin faced just 19 shots Thursday against the Kings and turned them all away for his second shutout of the season and fifth straight win.
Analysis: What Nikolai Khabibulin has been doing at age 38 so far this season is nothing short of miraculous, as he easily leads the NHL in save percentage and goals against average, and he just beat Los Angeles and Jonathan Quick, the other hottest goalie in the NHL.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 28 saves on 30 shots to pick up another win Sunday against St. Louis.
Analysis: The Nikolai Khabibulin redemption story continues, as he put up another good start. For as long as this continues, and it is possible that this could be a fluky start to the season, stick him in your lineup and hope for the best.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start Sunday night against St. Louis, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: No surprise here. Nikolai Khabibulin has been dominant this season, posting a 4-0-2 record and an absurd 0.97 goals-against average.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will make his fourth straight start Thursday against the Capitals, according to the Oilers' official Twitter feed.
Analysis: At least Bulin Wall gets the undefeated Caps at home, but this is about as tough of a challenge as you can have in this early season. Still, Nikolai Khabibulin has an out-of-this-world 0.97 GAA through five starts and a .960 save percentage, so it's hard to even consider sitting him down. Something may have to give on one side or the other in this one, though, so we'll see if he can keep up the great work against Alex Ovechkin & Co.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin turned aside 35 shots to beat the Canucks on Tuesday night.
Analysis: It's not as if Devan Dubnyk has played poorly, but Nikolai Khabibulin's great start is allowing him to open up some distance on the starting goalie competition.
Oilers' Khabibulin To Start Third Straight Game Tuesday
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start his third straight game Tuesday, according to Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin opened the season in a timeshare with fellow goaltender Devan Dubnyk, but Khabibulin's impressive start - just three goals allowed in four starts - appears to have given him a leg up in the competition for early playing time. Khabibulin will face off against the Canucks on Tuesday night.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin shut down the visiting Rangers on Saturday as the Oilers took a 2-0 victory. The veteran backstop turned aside 19 shots to improve to 2-0-2.
Analysis: In our last post, we described his 0.95 GAA as "ridiculous." It's now a preposterous 0.72, and his save percentage is (choose your own adjective here) .969, a few ticks behind LA's Jonathan Quick for the NHL lead. Every fantasy owner in North America knows that his numbers will slide back to earth soon, and you aren't likely to fool anyone into acquiring a 38-year-old at a hyper-premium price. The best advice if you own him is probably to ride the hot streak as long as it lasts.
News: Khahbibulin will start Saturday against the Rangers, Dan Tencer of CHED reports.
Analysis: After just three games, Nikolai Khabibulin's ridiculous 0.95 GAA is tops among NHL goaltenders, and his .962 SV% ranks second-best. At this stage of his career, he's about as unlikely a candidate to lead the league in goalie stats as you could get, especially playing for a mostly-rookie team like the Oilers. Enjoy the hot streak while it lasts, but don't be surprised if Khabibulin suddenly reverts to form.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start Saturday against the Rangers, according to the Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin is just 1-0-2 this season, but with a .962 save percentage and 0.95 GAA, he is a decent plug-and-play option Saturday if you are in need of a goaltender.
News: For the third time in his three starts, Nikolai Khabibulin gave up just a single goal, but he lost in the shootout Thursday against the Wild for the second time in a week.
Analysis: He stopped 30 of 31 pucks, but the shootout has been a problem for Nikolai Khabibulin. Still, he's been terrific from a fantasy standpoint so far in his limited action -- that .962 save percentage and 0.95 GAA make a lack of wins much easier to swallow.
Khabibulin Expected To Start For Edmonton Versus Wild
News:Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start for the Oilers versus the Wild, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin played well in his last start against the Wild, two goals on 47 shots. Pretty good bet he gets the nod in this one.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin only faced 12 shots Monday versus Nashville. He made 11 saves and picked up the win.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin really struggled last season, but he has had a couple good starts this season. However, as a young team the Oilers are likely to try and build for the future, which could limit Khabibulin's starts. He should only really be used as an occasional spot starter.
News: Khahbibulin will start against Nashville on Monday, Dan Tencer of CHED reports.
Analysis: He's been alternating starts recently, while a home start against Nashville is a reasonably good time to consider activating the Bulin Wall if he's a part of your goaltending picture during the early weeks of the season.
Oilers' Khabibulin Falls In Shootout In Season Debut
News:Nikolai Khabibulin, making his first start of the season Thursday in Minnesota, stopped 34 of 35 shots through regulation and OT, but ended up taking the loss in a four-round shootout.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall was up and strong in this one, but he'll have to maintain that against rising young netminder Devan Dubnyk, who was just as good in his first game. At his advanced age, Nikolai Khabibulin is better in small doses, so it's likely that Dubnyk will earn an ever-growing share of starts as the season progresses.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will start in goal Thursday against the Wild, according to the Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Nikolai Khabibulin will make his season debut Thursday night. He was expected to open the year as the Oilers' starting goaltender, but he wasn't handed the spot after posting a 3.40 GAA last season, and it was Devan Dubnyk who got the nod Opening Night instead. Dubnyk shined, allowing just one goal in a shootout victory over the Penguins, so it will now be up to Khabibulin to keep pace if he hopes to continue splitting the starts going forward.
Khabibulin Yields Three In Final Tuneup For Oilers
News:Nikolai Khabibulin gave up three goals on 28 shots as the Oilers closed the preseason Saturday with a 4-1 loss at Vancouver.
Analysis: This is an easy call for now: He's the starter, and Devan Dubnyk will start the season on the bench. But don't be surprised if those roles shift and eventually reverse themselves over the course of the season.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin allowed only a second-period tally as the Oilers took a contest from the Flames on Saturday, 2-1. He stopped 16 shots to pocket the W.
Analysis: He'll probably start the regular season as the #1 goalie over Devan Dubnyk. Expect him to get the greater share of starts in the autumn, with his continued crease time depending on his effectiveness.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin will play quite a bit in preseason, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: The Oilers want Nikolai Khabibulin to get back into hockey shape in the hope that he will re-discover his game. Khabibulin is still likely to get first crack at the starting job, but any slip could open the door for Devan Dubnyk.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin admits that his legal problems were weighing on his mind last season, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Take that for what it's worth as Nikolai Khabibulin didn't exactly light the world on fire in his first season with the Oilers when he didn't have legal problems either. Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk figure to have a battle during training camp to see who will become the number one goaltender with Khabibulin possibly having the upper hand due to the amount of money that is still on his contract.
News: Oilers coach Tom Renney isn't sure what to expect of Nikolai Khabibulin this season, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Renney is waiting to see Nikolai Khabibulin in camp to judge his mental and physical shape. Renney does admit that at this point in his career, Khabibulin wont play more than 60 games and also admits that 40-50 may be a best case scenario as it's just a matter of time before Devan Dubnyk is handed the keys to the crease.
News: Khabibulin will be released from jail Sunday, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Khabibulin will serve the remaining 15 days of his 30-day sentence under house arrest. He was imprisoned for DUI and had no incidents in prison. He will be good to go when training camp starts in September, battling Devan Dubnyk for the number one job.
News: Khabibulin checked in to an Arizona prison Saturday to start serving his sentence for extreme DUI, reports the Toronto Sun.
Analysis: He's on what is called work-release which means he can check out of the facility for 12-hour periods during the week after he spends the full weekend there. After 15 days, he'll be released to serve the final 15 days under house arrest. He should be ready for training camp.
News: Khabibulin has dropped the appeal of his sentence for a DUI charge earlier this year, Dan Tencer of CHED in Edmonton reports.
Analysis: He'll spend 15 days in jail and 15 days at home with a monitoring bracelet, but beyond that Khabibulin should be completely behind this incident and ready to focus on the upcoming season as he remains on track to open the year as the Oilers' primary netminder.
Oilers' Khabibulin To Start Season Finale On Sunday
News: Khabibulin will start Sunday versus Colorado, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin will close out what has been another miserable season for the Oilers. He hasn't played all that well but still has two years and $7.5 million left on his contract. Devan Dubnyk has eaten into some of his playing time but as of now Khabibulin is still the number one goalie heading into next season.
News: Khabibulin will start Wednesday's game against the Flames, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin, who has lost his last seven starts, tops the NHL in losses, with 31 in his 45 turns overall.
News: Khabibulin will start Thursday's game against the Wild, 630 CHED's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin has dropped his last six starts, but the Wild have had issues of their own, having notched just one win since March 8.
News: Khabibulin stopped 31 of 33 shots in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Kings.
Analysis: Khabibulin played well, but it didn't make the least bit of difference. It's awful tough to start any Edmonton keeper when the team is without Ales Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff, Sam Gagner and Taylor Hall, all injured.
News: Khabibulin will get the start Tuesday versus Minnesota, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: This straight from the mouth of Oilers' coach Tom Renney. Starting Khabibulin at this point would seem to be desperation, but it's not like the Wild are a huge offensive threat.
News: Khabibulin will start for Edmonton versus the Blues on Thursday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The Oilers have lost seven straight and 11 of 16, so expecting a W may be asking a bit too much, but it's not like the Blues have been playing much better, so if you're desperate, Khabibulin could be an interesting start Thursday.
News: Khabibulin played well Saturday, but not well enough to carry the last-place Oilers to a home win. He stopped 25 shots but allowed one score in the shootout as the Avalanche stole a 3-2 win.
Analysis: He's played passably well in his last seven appearances, with a GAA of 2.53 over that span. But face it: The Oilers are awful, and he's never going to collect enough wins to make him a worthwhile start.
News: Khabibulin will start against Colorado on Saturday, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: While Colorado is a decent matchup for Khabibulin, we can't recommend a goalie with a 10-28-2 record.
News: Khabibulin will start Thursday's game against the Coyotes, 630 CHED's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: The Oilers are shorthanded up front and have lost four in a row, while the Coyotes have won three straight, so Khabibulin faces a tough challenge Thursday.
News: Khabibulin surrendered five goals on 36 shots in Wednesday's loss to Edmonton.
Analysis: The Oilers are without some of their talented youngsters and those that are in the lineup are having trouble scoring. Given Edmonton's scoring issues and Khabibulin's increasing age, he's not a sage play.
News: Khabibulin will start Wednesday's game against the Caps, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin, who last started Feb. 22, will have his work cut out for him Wednesday, as the Caps have won five straight contests.
News: Khabibulin is likely to start Wednesday versus Washington, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: This will be Khabibulin's first start since coming off the IR after suffering an eye injury. Devan Dubnyk has started three straight games and could always get a fourth straight if he has a big game Tuesday versus Philadelphia.
News: Khabibulin is ready to get back between the pipes, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The Oilers sent Martin Gerber down to the AHL, a clear sign that Khabibulin is ready to resume his starting role with the team.
News: Khabibulin (eye), who took some shots Wednesday morning, says he's ready to go, 630 CHED's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: That's Khabibulin's take, but it remains to be seen when the Oilers will turn him loose. Martin Gerber was sharp in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Nashville, so don't be surprised if he gets another turn between the pipes Thursday against Columbus.
News: Khabibulin (eye) is said to be improving, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin suffered bleeding in his eye and has had to make sure that his blood pressure doesn't get elevated. There is still no timetable for his return.
News: The Oilers have placed Khabibulin on IR with an eye infection, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: There's no timetable for Khabibulin's return, but the Oilers recalled Martin Geber from the AHL to fill in as Devan Dubnyk's backup. With a 3.33 GAA and 26 losses this season, Khabibulin's absence probably won't affect too many fantasy rosters.
News: Khabibulin allowed four goals in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Wild.
Analysis: It must be a thankless job stopping pucks for the Oilers these days, but someone has to do it. Khabibulin leads the league with 26 losses, so he should be left alone in fantasy hockey.
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday against Minnesota, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: After a horrific stretch that saw Khabibulin go winless in 14 consecutive starts, he's now got a modest two-game win streak going. That said - don't get too excited, fantasy owners. As the old saying goes, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. Start him only if you're absolutely desperate.
News: Khabibulin stopped 36 of 37 shots, the only mar on his record a second-period Jeff Halpern goal, in Thursday's win over the Habs.
Analysis: Apparently the DUI talk didn't distract him on the ice. Khabibulin's won two straight starts after a 14-game losing streak that stretched from late December into early-mid-February.
Oilers' Khabibulin Trying To Have DUI Conviction Overturned
News: Khabibulin is trying to have his DUI conviction overturned, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Without going into to much legal jargo, Khabibulin's lawyers are arguing that he never gave up his right to a jury trial. No date has been set yet as to when the court will hear arguments on this debate. As if Khabibulin and the Oilers weren't having a bad enough season, now they are going to have his DUI in the news once again.
News: Khabibulin will start for the Oilers Thursday against the Canadiens, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin broke his string of 14 straight losses Tuesday, which has to be a relief for him, but the Oilers need to get hot for Khabibulin to be much of a fantasy option.
News: Khabibulin stopped 24 of 25 shots in Tuesday's win over Dallas.
Analysis: The victory broke Khabibulin's string of 14 straight losses and was his first since December 16th. His overall record on the season is 9-25-2.
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday against Dallas, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin will be looking to end a streak of 14 straight losses. Needless to say, you should look elsewhere for goalie help if possible.
News: Khabibulin allowed four goals on 24 shots in Saturday's loss to the Senators.
Analysis: The drought continues. Khabibulin has now lost 14 consecutive starts, and even a matchup with the equally sorrowful Senators couldn't turn things around.
News: Khabibulin will start Saturday against Ottawa, Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin has lost his previous 13 starts, but Ottawa is currently on an 11-game losing streak. If there is a perfect time to end his losing streak, this would be it. Use him if you have to, but otherwise, look elsewhere with plenty of games on the schedule Saturday.
News: Khabibulin will start Monday versus Nashville, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin hasn't won a game this calendar year and Monday versus Nashville doesn't seem to be the spot where that streak is going to end. Hopefully you have better options in net.
Oilers' Khabibulin To Square Off Against Blue Jackets Saturday
News: Khabibulin will start in goal Saturday against Columbus, according to Oilers reporter Tom Gazzola.
Analysis: For fantasy purposes, there aren't too many teams you'd feel comfortable matching Khabibulin up against, but the Jackets - second-last place in the West - might be one. If you absolutely have to roll Khabibulin on Saturday, go ahead - but exhaust all other goalie options first.
News: Khabibulin's cold streak continued Wednesday, losing his 12th consecutive game, this time a 3-1 loss to the Kings.
Analysis: Khabibulin allowed three goals on 26 shots. "I don't think I've ever lost that many in a row," Khabibulin said. "It's been strange. There were a few games that we should have won and didn't. I'm trying not to get frustrated. Obviously, I am not happy about it. You just have to keep trying and trying."
News: Khabibulin will start in goal Wednesday against the Kings, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin has lost 11 consecutive starts, allowing at least three goals in nine of those games. Use him at your own risk.
News: Khabibulin stopped 18 shots in Wednesday's loss to Dallas.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall has long since fallen, as the Oilers aren't going to give him much support and letting in three goals on 21 shots is hardly ideal. He's not a sage play, but if you have to use him, seek the more favorable matchups.
News: Khabibulin is expected to start Wednesday versus Dallas, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The Oilers are playing back-to-back games before the All-Star break. Devan Dubnyk starts Tuesday, and Khabibulin will most likely start Wednesday.
News: Khabibulin won't start Sunday versus Nashville, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin has missed the past few practices, but there is nothing wrong and he states he just needed some time off. Hopefully a couple of days to gather his thoughts will do him some good as he has had a tough time gathering pucks shot at him of late.
News: Khabibulin (undisclosed) was absent from Saturday's practice, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: That's now two straight missed practices for Khabibulin with no reports of whether he is injured or just getting a couple of maintenance days. No word yet on his status for Sunday's game against Nashville.
News: Khabibulin missed practice Friday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: No reason has been given as of yet for Khabibulin's absence; it could just be a maintenance day.
Khabibulin Expected To Start Thursday Versus Dallas
News: Khabibulin is expected to get the start Thursday versus Dallas, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Devan Dubnyk is dealing with the flu which leaves Khabibulin with the start. Khabibulin has lost nine straight games now and it may only be a matter of time before Dubnyk is handed at least a 50/50 split of the starting role.
News: Khabibulin stopped 22 of 26 shots in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: Devan Dubnyk was supposed to start for Edmonton, but he came down with the flu earlier in the day and Khabibulin got the call. Khabibulin has now lost nine games in a row and he has looked pretty bad in doing it. At this point, it certainly wouldn't be a shock to see Dubnyk get the vast majority of the starts in upcoming games.
News: Khabibulin stopped 25 of the 28 shots he faced Sunday versus the Anaheim Ducks, but he still came away with the loss.
Analysis: Khabibulin has struggled mightily this season, and there isn't a matchup out there that makes him an intriguing prospect to include in your lineup.
News: Khabibulin stopped just 17 of 20 shots in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Khabibulin hasn't won a game since December 16. It's at the point where Edmonton coach Tom Renney needs to seriously consider giving Devan Dubnyk more playing time. The Bulin Wall has allowed 14 goals in his last three games, and hasn't allowed less than two since December 4.
News: Khabibulin gets the start in net Tuesday versus Dallas, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Khabibulin hasn't won a game since Dec. 16 so you may want to find a better option in net for your fantasy team.
News: Khabibulin made 28 saves in Friday's tough 6-1 loss at Vancouver.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall stood tall in the first period after being outshot 14-6 and ending the frame tied 0-0. But the Canucks scored in the first 30 seconds of the second period and a Ryan Kesler 40-foot wrister stymied Khabibulin. "We kind of fell apart (after that)," Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert said. Khabibulin is now 8-17-2 with poor peripheral numbers - but HEY, he gets starts!
News: Khabibulin is expected to start against Vancouver on Friday, Vancouver Province writer Jim Jamieson reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin is 8-16 on the year and is saving under 90 percent of shots. He's not a good fantasy option.
News: Khabibulin stopped 32 of 37 shots in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Considering Khabibulin had lost four in a row prior to Tuesday, owners had to see this one coming. He has now lost five straight and six of seven overall.
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday against Detroit, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin has lost four in a row, and five of six, and should not be counted on for fantasy purposes right now.
News: Khabibulin's forlorn season continued with a disappointing loss at home to the arch-rival Flames on Saturday. He turned aside 28 shots but got little offensive support in the 2-1 loss.
Analysis: He's played reasonably well in his last five starts, allowing 13 goals over that span despite going 1-4. But his credentials this year -- 8-15-2 with a Sv% of .900 and a ghastly GAA of 3.31 -- give you all the reasons you need to avoid him.
Oilers Will Put Khabibulin Between The Pipes Saturday
News: Khabibulin is expected to get the starting nod for Saturday's game against the Flames, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: The Oilers have allowed 124 goals this season, which is the most of any team in the NHL, so Khabibulin shouldn't be active on fantasy rosters to start the New Year.
News: Khabibulin stopped just 17 of 20 shots in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: Khabibulin has played pretty well lately, but combine his overall inconsistency with the fact he plays on a poor team and he doesn't make for much of a fantasy option on most nights.
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday versus Toronto, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been playing well of late -- three goals or less allowed in seven of eight December starts -- and the Oil are hoping to ride his little hot streak. Unless you have no other options, he probably still shouldn't be started in fantasy leagues.
News: Khabibulin will start Sunday against Vancouver, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall seems to be made of sticks, not stones, through the first half of the season. His GAA is ranked 35th at .899, but of course, the Oilers have a weak defense working in front of him. He's a poor start in fantasy leagues.
News: Khabibulin stopped 28 of 30 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to San Jose.
Analysis: Khabibulin played well, but as has been the case for most of the season, the Oilers didn't provide him with enough offensive support. Despite Khabibulin's strong outing, Devan Dubnyk is expected to get the start in Edmonton's next game on Thursday in Los Angeles.
News: Khabibulin is expected to get the call in net Tuesday versus San Jose, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: It looks like the Oilers will split up the goaltending chores on their short two-game road trip with Devan Dubnyk getting the call versus LA, but that could always change if Khabibulin plays lights out against the Sharks.
News: Khabibulin was excellent Thursday in a win over Columbus, holding the Jackets to three goals despite being bombarded with 40 shots.
Analysis: With the exception of Tuesday against Toronto, Khabibulin has played exceedingly well since his return from a groin injury.
News: Khabibulin stopped 30 of 34 shots in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Khabibulin had been playing well recently, but he struggled Tuesday. And overall his numbers for the season are poor and he's on a poor team, so as good as he was in a few starts prior to Tuesday, he isn't much of a fantasy option longer term.
News: Khabibulin will start in goal Tuesday against the Maple Leafs, according to the Oilers' official website.
Analysis: Khabibulin has given up just six goals in four starts this month, so it's not unreasonable to expect a strong showing from him Tuesday against a Toronto team that has scored the third fewest goals in the league.
News: Khabibulin stopped 38 of 41 shots in regulation and overtime before closing the door in the shootout to help the Oilers take a 4-3 shootout win Friday.
Analysis: Khabibulin is a solid goalie - a wily veteran still capable of stealing games. His team is young and still learning, so there will be growing pains. Fantasy owners should start with some risk.
News: Khabibulin survived a collision with Taylor Hall in practice Thursday, and is scheduled to start Friday against the Lightning, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: In a shootout drill at the end of Thursday's practice, Hall reportedly dangled the puck and scored, but followed it into the net and wound up flattening Khabibulin in the process. "Khabi's fine, Hallsy's embarrassed," said coach Tom Renney. "He hit our No. 1 goaltender. He did a great move, deked around him and I hope to see it again [Friday] night. Not against us."
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday's game against the Ducks, according to the Oilers' official Twitter page.
Analysis: Khabibulin has allowed just one goal in two starts since returning from a groin injury. He will attempt to keep rolling Tuesday night against a below-average Ducks offense.
News: Khabibulin has strung together back-to-back gems after returning from a groin injury this week. Saturday, he turned aside 31 shots as the Oilers edged St. Louis in overtime, 2-1.
Analysis: If you were on the fence about reactivating him, it's time.
News: Khabibulin will start in goal Saturday against the Blues, Dan Tencer of the Oilers Radio Network reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin looked strong in his first game back from a groin injury Friday against Toronto, stopping all 33 shots he faced.
News: Khabibulin, in his first game back from a groin injury, stopped all 33 shots he faced in Edmonon's 5-0 win over Tornto.
Analysis: Khabibulin's only other shutout came in the first first game of the year. In between, his GAA ballooned over four -- but maybe he's getting back on track now.
News: Khabibulin (groin) is scheduled to start Thursday in Toronto, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Martin Gerber has already been sent back down to the AHL so Khabibulin is ready to play. The Oilers have won back to back games and there is always a chance they decide to ride the hot hand and have Khabibulin act as a backup for a game or two, but as of now the Oilers state he will start versus the Maple Leafs.
Oilers' Khabibulin Could be Ready to Play Thursday
News: Khabibulin (groin) could be ready to play Thursday versus Toronto, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been out the last two weeks due to the groin injury, but has been taking shots in practice. The Oilers won't rush him back, but he isn't that far away from returning to the crease.
News: Khabibulin (groin) skated once again Friday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: Khabibulin is considered day to day for the Oilers, but he will not play Saturday.
Oilers' Khabibulin Skated for the First Time on Wednesday
News: Khabibulin (groin) tested his groin Wednesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin didn't report any problems, but didn't push the groin all that hard either. He's going to ramp it up more and more each day and is hoping to play again late next week.
News: Khabibulin (groin) has yet to begin skating, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Khabibulin is on the Oilers' road trip, but that's only because he has family and friends in the Phoenix area. Groin injuries can be tricky, especially for a goalie, and with Devan Dubnyk playing well, Edmonton will not rush Khabibulin back.
News: Khabibulin has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin is not what you would call a star goalie in the fantasy hockey realm, but this news undoubtedly hurts the Oilers, who are bottom dwellers of the Western Conference. According to the report, Martin Gerber has been called up from the AHL, presumably to split time in goal with Devan Dubnyk while the Bulin Wall is out.
News: Khabibulin will start Sunday against the Rangers, according to the Oilers' official site.
Analysis: Khabibulin has turned into one of the least reliable fantasy goalies this season, with a 4-8-1 line to go along with a 3.64 GAA and .890 SV%. Playing for a young, rebuilding team like the Oilers surely doesn't help. However, the best goalies in the league have an ability to carry even the worst teams on their backs, even for short periods of time, and Khabi hasn't beeen able to do that so far this year. He's pure fantasy poison right now - steer clear.
News: Khabibulin is not getting the job done for Edmonton so far this season, according to the Edmonton Journal. He has a 3.64 GAA and .890 save percentage in 13 starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin got off to a hot start but has been lit up like a Christmas tree of late. His do nothing to help fantasy owners and he should be benched until his play picks up. He's just 4-8-1 on the season.
News: Khabibulin is not starting Friday, a day after giving up six goals in a loss to Detroit, according to the Oilers' official site.
Analysis: Khabibulin's been cold as of late, losing four of five starts and surrendering 10 goals in his last 67 minutes of ice time. Until he gets back on track, he may lose a start or two to backup Devan Dubnyk, the starter for Friday.
News: Khabibulin surrendered six goals on 34 shots in Thursday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: He lasted just seven minutes, giving up four goals, in his last start, and now this. Khabibulin has really struggled mightily since his opening-night shutout, facing a lot of shots and not saving enough of them. Devan Dubnyk has played well in limited action, and he could start eating into Bulin's playing time.
News: Khabibulin will start Thursday against Detroit, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: Still no word on why Khabibulin did not participate in Wednesday's practice, but it may just have been a day off after his disastrous start Tuesday against Carolina. He's still nowhere near the reliable starter most fantasy owners were hoping for, but it looks like you can use him Thursday if you need to.
News: Khabibulin was not on the ice for Wednesday's practice, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: He was pulled in favor of Devan Dubnyk in his last start, so there's no guarantee that Khabibulin will get the nod Thursday night against the Red Wings anyway. We'll await further details regarding the reason for his absence from Wednesday's practice.
News: Khabibulin was pulled during the first period of the game Tuesday after allowing four quick goals.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall developed quite a few cracks in this game as he let in four goals on just eight shots in barley seven minutes of action. Devan Dubnyk came in to replace him.
News: Khabibulin will start Tuesday against Carolina, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: Despite his overall weak record (4-6-1, 3.10 GAA, .905 SV%), Khabibulin has actually performed well of late, and against some of the league's better teams. He stopped 26 of 27 pucks Sunday to defeat the Blackhawks, and allowed just two goals Friday in a tough loss to the Red Wings. Fantasy-wise, Khabibulin is still good for a spot start here and there, but don't rely on him as your full-time goaltender.
Oilers' Khabibulin Likely to Start Sunday Against Chicago
News: Khabibulin is likely to start Sunday against the Blackhawks, Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall was impressive in his last start, stopping 27 of 29 shots in a home loss to Detroit, but he could afford another positive catalyst to spark his unimpressive overall numbers. Perhaps facing his former team in Chicago will give him some extra motivation to get back to the high level of play that he demonstrated to begin the season.
News: Khabibulin made 27 saves in a 3-1 loss to the visiting Red Wings on Friday.
Analysis: Khabibulin made a number of tremendous saves in the game and continues to give his team a chance to win most nights. Unfortunately, his team is young and very inexperienced, making it hard to get those wins. Count on much of the same for Edmonton's starting goalie.
News: Khabibulin is expected to start Tuesday against the Canucks, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: Perhaps predictably, Khabibulin's had a rough go of it so far this season, with a 3-4-1 record, .901 SV% and 3.38 GAA. However, for better or worse, he will continue to be the main man between the pipes for the Oilers going forward. He just doesn't make for a dependable fantasy start on any given night, so play him with caution.
News: Khabibulin stopped 37 of 41 shots Friday to beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions 7-4 in Chicago.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been a workhorse for the young Oilers this season and has responded with a 3-4-1 record. This may not seem to be great numbers, but remember that he plays for a team most consider in for a lottery pick. There are worse options between the pipes and at least owners know he will get the majority of the starts.
News: Khabibulin will get the start Friday at Chicago CHED 630's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: Devan Dubnyk gave the Bulin Wall a breather Thursday against Columbus, but this will be Khabibulin's eighth start in Edmonton's nine games. A road start against the defending champs is certainly a tough challenge.
Oilers' Khabibulin To Make Seventh Consecutive Appearance Tuesday
News: Khabibulin will play Tuesday night against the Flames, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall has been cemented as the starter in all six of Edmonton's games this season, but the 37-year-old hasn't won since Oct. 10, a home game against the Panthers. According to the Vancouver Sun, either Jeff Deslauriers or Devan Dubnyk will give Khabibulin a break when the Oilers face Columbus on Thursday.
News: Khabibulin is expected to get a day off Thursday or Friday, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Khabibulin has started all six games for the Oilers so far this season, but with the Oil scheduled to play three games in four nights starting Tuesday, either Devan Dubnyk or Jeff Deslauriers is expected to start one of the last two games.
News: Khabibulin coughed up six tallies in Edmonton's loss to San Jose on Saturday.
Analysis: He's yielded 17 goals in his current four-game losing string. It would be wise to find another option in the crease for your fantasy team.
News: Khabibulin will start Saturday against the Sharks, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall has been scalable for Edmonton's opponents as of late. The Ukrainian puck-stopper has seen the siren behind him light up 11 times in the past three games that he's been in goal.
News: Khabibulin stopped 21 of 24 shots in Thursday's loss to the Wild.
Analysis: He's now allowed 11 goals in his past three games, although playing in front of an inexperienced Oilers team doesn't help. His season numbers would not look good if you took out his opening-night shutout.
News: Khabibulin will likely start in goal for Edmonton on Thursday against the Wild, Michael Russo of the Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Khabibulin has put in all of the work in goal for the Oilers, so far. Between those four contests, he posted a 2.53 goals-against average and a record of 2-2-0.
News: For the second straight game, Khabibulin surrendered four goals as the Oilers fell to Calgary Saturday, 5-3. The Flames' final tally came with an empty Edmonton net.
Analysis: After his opening-night shutout, Khabibulin has been ordinary, yielding 10 goals in three games. We'd like to offer solid encouragement, but we're pessimistic about the odds that the Oilers will rally around him to put together a good campaign.
Oilers' Khabibulin Allows Four Power-Play Goals in Loss
News: Khabibulin allowed four goals -- all on the power play -- on 24 shots in Thursday's loss to Minnesota, including two Mikko Koivu tallies less than a minute apart in the second period.
Analysis: If you take as many penalties as the Oilers did (seven), you've got to be able to kill them, and they didn't. Khabibulin was pretty sharp in Edmonton's first two games, but ultimately his value is dependent on his health and how much his team can improve from last year's cellar-dwelling campaign.
News: Khabibulin may not need a day off until October 28, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: The Oilers just don't have many games between now and the 28th allowing them to run with Khabibulin if they so wish.
Oilers' Khabibulin Will Start on Sunday Against Florida
News: Khabibulin will start in goal Sunday against Florida, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: No pucks went past the Bulin Wall on Thursday in Edmonton's 4-0 season-opening win against Calgary. Khabibulin will look to carry that positive momentum over to Sunday's game against a Panthers team that is finally making its first appearance of the season.
Oilers' Khabibulin Shuts Out Flames in Season Opener
News: Khabibulin stopped all 37 shots he faced Thursday against Calgary to collect the first shutout this season in the NHL.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall put up a decent save percentage, but awful GAA as Edmonton fielded a terrible team last year, but maybe their infusion of young talent will give the Oilers -- and their goalie -- the spark they need to succeed.
News: Khabibulin will start Thursday's season opener against the Flames, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: Khabibulin will make for a tough fantasy play most nights this season, given the squad playing in front of him. He's good for a spot start here and there, but don't rely on him game in, game out.
News: Khabibulin turned aside 26 shots in an 8-2 preseason win over the Canucks on Sunday in his first preseason action of the year.
Analysis: Khabibulin will probably get at least one more preseason start as he rounds back into shape. "I was looking forward to the game to see how I'd feel," Khabibulin said. "I lasted the whole game, so that was good. I liked some things that I did, and there were some things that I need to work on."
News: Khabibulin will start for the Oilers on Sunday, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: This will be Khabibulin's first start of the preseason, and first start since undergoing back surgery and being arrested/convicted for drunk driving.
News: Khabibulin was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Thirty days was the least amount of time he could serve, so no big shock there. Khabibulin was also ordered to complete an alcohol program and fined a little over $1,500. The big question now is what, if any, punishment the Oilers will hand down.
Oilers' Khabibulin Found Guilty of Drunken Driving
News: Khabibulin was found guilty on all charges related to his drunken driving arrest in Arizona, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Now we will wait for the penalty phase, where 30 days to six months is the guideline. Even the minimum would cut into Oilers training camp. No word yet from Edmonton on any of their own punishment they may impose on Khabibulin.
News: The Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin (back surgery) skated on Monday and faced some shots. He is out until at least training camp.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall's failing health was one reason Edmonton's season went down the toilet in 2009-10, but it's good to see him back working out on the ice again. He will clearly be a risky injury pick heading into next season at the age of 37.
News: Sportsnet.ca reports that Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin addressed the media on Tuesday and said he's optimistic about his NHL future. He hopes to be able to at least practice before the end of the season.
Analysis: Khabibulin probably can't wait for this nightmare season to end, but you knew he wasn't going to come out and say that to the media. The veteran is still owned in 28 percent of leagues, but those most be some optimistic folks. You're better off just cutting your losses at this point unless you have injury slots in your league.
News: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin is facing DUI and speeding charges in Arizona. Scottsdale police say an officer pulled over Khabibulin's Ferrari shortly after midnight on Feb. 8 after the car was clocked at 70 mph in a 45 mph zone. The 37-year-old Khabibulin played for the Phoenix Coyotes from 1996-99 and still has a home in Paradise Valley. He hasn't played since Nov. 16 because of a herniated disk in his back that required surgery in January. Police say an officer smelled alcohol on Khabibulin and he was arrested after a field sobriety test. He was booked into jail on DUI and excessive speed charges pending laboratory results.
Analysis: Khabibulin has a 7-2-9 record with a 3.03 goals-against average this season, his first with the Oilers after signing a four-year, $15 million contract last summer. The four-time NHL All-Star has also played for Winnipeg, Chicago and Tampa Bay and helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2004. We don't expect Khabibulin to return this season, so there is no need to hold onto him in Fantasy. However, it will be interesting to see if he faces disciplinary action from the NHL upon his return.
News: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin will have surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back and is expected to be out 12 weeks. He'll have the operation Thursday in Los Angeles, the team said on Wednesday. The Oilers didn't provide a timeline for his return, saying only that he's "out indefinitely," but Khabibulin's agent, Jay Grossman, said the goalie will need 12 weeks to recover from surgery. That leaves him a narrow window to try and return during the regular season. Jeff Deslauriers has been the Oilers' starting goalie in Khabibulin's absence and Devan Dubnyk has been the backup.
Analysis: Khabibulin hasn't played since a 3-2 shootout loss to Columbus on Nov. 16. He has a 7-9-2 record with a 3.03 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage this season. The 37-year-old signed a $15-million, four-year contract with Edmonton over the summer. The Oilers always feared Khabibulin would have to go this route and their greatest fears were realized. If you need the roster spot, then we advise you to cut Khabibulin since its unlikely he will play this season.
News: The Edmonton Sun reports the prognosis for injured Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who has been out since Nov. 21 with a disc problem in his back, is not looking good. The veteran netminder was given an eight-week window for his injury to heal and the process is not going well. He received cortisone shots three weeks ago, but they were not effective. He hasn't been skating and has hardly been seen around the Edmonton facilities. "The window is not totally completed," head coach Pat Quinn said of Khabibulin returning this season. "They’re going to go right to the end." Jeff Deslauriers has started 21 of the last 22 games in Khabibulin's absence. "Obviously (Khabibulin) has some decisions to make as to what the next steps are," Quinn said. "One of the next steps is surgery."
Analysis: Khabibulin is in the first year of a four-year, $15 million contract, so this is the last thing Edmonton wants to see in Year 1. But at this point they might as well let him get the surgery, so he can be around for the next couple of seasons. Deslauriers has had some up-and-down moments, but he has been steady in net for as much as he has started. It's risky holding onto Khabibulin in Fantasy since even if he returns he might not play a full load. Fantasy owners should start scooping up Deslauriers, who is playing like a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: The Edmonton Sun reports that Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin seems to be inching closer to season ending surgery. "They're still waiting for his comfort level to get better," coach Pat Quinn said. "Pretty soon, I think, they're going to have to make some calls on it."
Analysis: Things aren't looking good for the Bulin Wall to be intact again this season, so you might want to start making plans to be without him. Keep him stashed in deeper leagues for now.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin has been out since Nov. 21 with what was described then as a sore back. Nearly a month later he's not even skating yet, as the injury that sidelined him for three weeks last March has flared up again. There is obviously something structural with his spine that needs fixing. Coach Pat Quinn said Khabibulin had a "procedure" Monday that they hope will speed up the recovery. "He's made some progress and we're anxious to see him comfortable enough to get on the ice," Quinn said.
Analysis: What has allowed Khabibulin to stay sidelined so long has been the play of Jeff Deslauriers, who has handled the starting responsibilities with ease. It was a little shocking Edmonton offered up a four-year deal for Khabibulin in the offseason after he had a history of injury problems before and it has come back to bite them. Keep Khabibulin out of Fantasy lineups until further notice. He is usually a No. 2 option when healthy.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin's recovery from a back injury is coming along slowly, according to the team's official Website. "Maybe 25 per cent better," Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini said Tuesday. "He's taken some treatment with our doctors back in Edmonton. [He] really hasn't got to the point yet where we can say he's 100 per cent ready to go start the kind of training needed to play at this level. So I guess we'll know better after a week where he's at, but at this point I'd say it's kind of slow."
Analysis: Looks like it will be at least a couple of weeks before Khabibulin returns to action, so just continue to stash him in most Fantasy formats. You knew when you drafted the veteran that injuries could be an issue. When healthy, he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: The Oilers have placed goalie Nikolai Khabibulin on injured reserve with a back injury. He has missed the last four games after sitting out Friday against the Canucks.
Analysis: Khabibulin isn't expected back until early December, but is looking like an injury-risk start for Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6). Khabibulin has a history of injury issues, so we aren't surprised to see him out of the lineup. Khabibulin is going to start most nights when he is healthy, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin (back) did not play, as expected, on Wednesday against the Kings. Jeff Deslauriers got the start instead. He is doubtful for the rest of the games this week.
Analysis: If you thought Khabibulin was going to get through the season injury-free, you had to be dreaming. He even told the team he wouldn't be able to play a full slate and hold up for the season. It seems as though the veteran goalie is clairvoyant. Khabibulin is going to start most nights when he is healthy, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News:The Sports Xchange reports G Nikolai Khabibulin, who came up with a sore back hours before Edmonton's Saturday night game with the Blackhawks, couldn't play Monday against Phoenix and is doubtful for the three remaining games this week. "At this point it hasn't made any progress," coach Pat Quinn said. "So we'll play Jeff Deslauriers and expect that he'll give us the kind of goaltending we need to have."
Analysis: If you thought Khabibulin was going to get through the season injury-free, you had to be dreaming. He even told the team he wouldn't be able to play a full slate and hold up for the season. It seems as though the veteran goalie is clairvoyant. Khabibulin is going to start most nights when he is healthy, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin was scratched for a second straight game on Monday against the Coyotes because of a bad back. He remains day to day.
Analysis: If you thought Khabibulin was going to get through the season injury-free, you had to be dreaming. He even told the team he wouldn't be able to play a full slate and hold up for the season. Khabibulin is going to start most nights when he is healthy, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: AM630 out of Edmonton reports that Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin's injured back has not made any progress since Saturday, so Jeff Deslauriers will start Monday against the Coyotes.
Analysis: Khabibulin gets banged up now again simply because of his age. You should look elsewhere for a healthier goalie in Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option when Khabibulin is healthy, but you should probably stay away from that unit, too. Don't worry about Deslauriers outside of super-deep leagues.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin did not play on Saturday against Chicago because of a bad back. Jeff Deslauriers started the game instead and Torrie Jung of the Edmonton Oil Kings with the Western Hockey League was signed to a tryout contract. Khabibulin is considered questionable for Monday against Phoenix.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been slipping of late and the bad back could have something to do with it. It sounds like he might be out more than just the one game, so Fantasy owners probably need to look elsewhere for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option when Khabibulin is healthy.
News:Jakub Voracek scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. After Voracek's goal, Mathieu Garon stopped Gilbert Brule to secure Columbus' fourth victory in five games. All the goals in regulation were on the power play with Edmonton taking a 2-1 lead on Lubomir Visnovsky's score 5:48 into the third period before Antoine Vermette tied it with 7:34 left on a redirection. Khabibulin has just one win in his last seven appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin is hitting a rough patch with the Oilers, but he better get used to is since he is no longer in Chicago. Khabibulin might be a .500 goalie all season, so view him as a No. 2 option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin made 27 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Thrashers on Sunday. Khabibulin held a 2-1 lead before Atlanta rallied. The winner came on Slava Kozlov's first goal of the season 11:59 into the third. Khabibulin has lost five of his last six starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin is hitting a rough spot with the Oilers, but he better get used to is since he is no longer in Chicago. Khabibulin might be a .500 goalie all season, so view him as a No. 2 option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin made 23 saves during a 3-1 loss to the Sabres on Wednesday. Khabibulin never led in the game and allowed three even-strength goals. He has lost four of his last five starts.
Analysis: We had a good feeling that Khabibulin wouldn't be as good in 2009-10 as he was in 2008-09 since he was no longer in a contract year and he wasn't playing for a top contender like Chicago. So far, we have been right. Khabibulin is starting most nights for the Oilers, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin made 34 saves during a 5-3 win against the Avalanche on Sunday. Khabibulin never trailed in the game and allowed one even-strength goal in each period. It was his first win in four games.
Analysis: We had a good feeling that Khabibulin wouldn't be as good in 2009-10 as he was in 2008-09 since he was no longer in a contract year and he wasn't playing for a top contender like Chicago. So far, we have been right. Khabibulin is starting most nights for the Oilers, but he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin made 35 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Rangers. He allowed four goals in the game as his record dropped to 6-7-1 on the season. Three of the goals scored against Khabibulin in the game came on a Rangers power play.
Analysis: The Oilers are not off to the best of starts this season and neither is Khabibulin who currently owns a losing record. He has lost each of his last three starts and five of his last six, which is a disturbing trend for Fantasy owners. His Fantasy stock has slipped a bit, but he remains a No. 2 Fantasy option. The same goes for the Oilers TG.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin recorded 34 saves on Monday night but lost 3-1 to the New York Islanders. He allowed three goals to score after the Oilers took a 1-0 lead early.
Analysis: The loss drops Khabibulin's record to 6-6-1 on the year. He has now lost two straight starts and four of his last five. Here's hoping he begins to turn things around because he's started the season in quite a disappointing fashion. He remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 25 shots on Saturday afternoon against the Boston Bruins but it wasn't enough. Khabibulin allowed just two goals to score but the Bruins pitched a shutout to win 2-0. Both goals that Khabibulin allowed came in the 3rd period within five minutes of each other.
Analysis: The Oilers starting goalie drops his season record to 6-5-1 and has now lost in regulation in three of his last four starts with one win mixed in. He will turn it around again and remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin was able to hang on for a 6-5 shootout win over the Red Wings on Thursday. Khabibulin was staked a 4-0 lead less than 21 minutes into the game but slowly and surely let the Red Wings get back into it and the game went into overtime and ultimately a shootout tied at 5. Khabibulin stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout to improve his record to 6-4-1 overall. He made 40 saves in the game.
Analysis: Khabibulin certainly did almost everything he could to give the game away on Thursday and the Oilers defense didn't help out too much, allowing 45 shots on net. He broke a two-game losing skid with the win on Thursday and remains a decent No. 2 Faqntasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 31 shots on Tuesday night against the Colorado Avalanche. It wasn't enough. Khabibulin allowed two goals to score on a night when one would have been too many as the Avs shut out the Oilers 3-0.
Analysis: Khabibulin's record falls to 5-4-1 as he clings to an above-.500 record. He's now lost two straight starts after winning three in a row before that. Continue to start the Bulin Wall as a No. 2 option in deeper leagues, along with the Oilers TG.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin's three-game win streak ended Saturday as Edmonton fell 5-2 to the Flames. Khabibulin made 33 saves.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been playing some nice hockey this season but gave up three second-period goals on Saturday and took the loss to fall to 5-3-1. Continue to start the Bulin Wall as a No. 2 option in deeper leagues, along with the Oilers TG.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin didn't exactly shut down Columbus on Thursday but ended up earning the win 6-4. Khabibulin made 28 saves in the game, allowing the four goals. His record improved to 5-2-1 with the win.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now won three starts in a row, but this win wasn't exactly one to write home about. He has been decent in net to start off the season and seems to be getting into a nice groove in Edmonton. However, Khabibulin has suffered many injuries over the course of his career and Fantasy owners need to take that into consideration. Consider both Khabibulin and the Oilers TG to be No. 2 options.
News: After a shaky start to the season, the "Bulin Wall" is standing tall in Edmonton. Nikolai Khabibulin made 39 saves to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 victory against Vancouver on Monday night, keeping the Canucks winless on the road this season. "I don't think we started too well in the game," Khabibulin said. "But from the second period on I thought we took it to them and played pretty well. We know we aren't going to score five or six goals every game so we need to win games like this, too. In the playoffs, the games are lower scoring so we might as well learn how to win those now." Kyle Wellwood looked to have scored with the extra attacker in the final second to tie the game, but a video review determined time had expired before the puck crossed the goal line. "I heard the horn, but it happened so quick I wasn't sure," said Khabibulin, who had allowed last-minute goals in the Oilers' two losses to Calgary earlier in the season. "The way things have gone for us of late, I was holding my breath until the referee made the final ruling. That was nice."
Analysis: Khabibulin has won three of his last four starts and has allowed two or fewer goals in each of the victories. He is finally settling into a groove now that he is in his new surroundings. However, we still caution Fantasy owners that Khabibulin is an injury-prone goalie and it might be a stretch for him to make 60 appearances in 2009-10. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option, as well as the Oilers TG.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin cruised to a pretty easy victory on Friday, beating the Wild 5-2. Khabibulin made 29 saves in the game and let in two goals, improving his record on the season to 3-2-1.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been up and down to open his tenure in the Edmonton net. He is allowing more than three goals per game to open the season, having allowed four goals in three times so far. Khabibulin has a pretty good grip on the starting job in Edmonton and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 unit.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin excelled in his first game against his former Chicago teammates, but couldn't prevent the Edmonton Oilers from losing 4-3 to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Mostly a high-priced disappointment during his four years in Chicago but a standout during last season's run to the Western Conference finals, Khabibulin made 34 saves to keep the Oilers in the game. He stopped Patrick Sharp on a penalty shot in the second period and breakaways by Kris Versteeg and Jonathan Toews in the third. Khabibulin had little chance on the goals he allowed to Sharp, Versteeg, Jack Skille and Cam Barker.
Analysis: Khabibulin has had mixed results in his first few starts with the Oilers. While he has won twice and is starting on most nights, his play in net hasn't been consistent. Khabibulin is not in jeopardy of losing his job, however, he remains nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin made 33 saves Saturday in a 3-2 win over the Canadiens.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been a little up-and-down so far this season, but he certainly had his A-game going on Saturday night. The Oilers play three times in Fantasy Week 2 (Oct. 12-18) and Khabibulin remains worth using as a second option in 12-team leagues that require two starting goalies. The Edmonton TG is also a No. 2 choice.
News:Nigel Dawes and Olli Jokinen scored in the shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin to give the Calgary Flames their second comeback victory in Edmonton this season, a 4-3 victory over the Oilers on Thursday night. With Edmonton holding a 3-2 lead, Calgary pulled goalie Miikka Kiprusoff and scored with 1.5 seconds left in regulation when Jay Bouwmeester's shot from the point was tipped in by Rene Bourque. Khabibulin had a two-goal lead before Calgary erased it 4:11 into the third. He made 25 saves in the game and just one in the shootout.
Analysis: Khabibulin just doesn't seem to have any luck against the Flames this season. Remember, he lost the opener to Calgary in the last minute after a costly turnover. Khabibulin has allowed three or more goals in each of his first three starts with the Oilers. He signed a four-year deal in the offseason to be Edmonton's top goalie. However, he told management recently they can't expect him to make more than 60 appearances, so we could very well see a heavy dose of Jeff Drouin-Deslaurie at times. Khabibulin is pretty much a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin could not be denied on Tuesday against the Stars. The Oilers netminder allowed four goals in regulation but tightened up in overtime and stopped all three shootout attempts as Ales Hemsky beat Marty Turco to earn the win for the Oilers. In all, Khabibulin stopped 30 of 34 shots fired his way.
Analysis: Khabibulin improves to 1-1-0 on the season but has allowed eight goals in two starts. He needs to get a little tighter between the pipes just yet. Khabibulin will try to help the Oilers get to the playoffs this season as he did for Chicago last year. He is getting up there in age and certainly can be an injury risk at times, but when healthy Khabibulin is a serviceable No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 unit.
News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin took the loss on Saturday in his first start of the season. The Oilers lost to the Flames 4-3, with Khabibulin getting beat by David Moss with only 49 seconds left to go in the game for the game-winning goal. He made only 17 saves in the game.
Analysis: Khabibulin was an important factor in the Blackhawks making the playoffs last season and will try to help the Oilers accomplish the same feat this season. He is getting up there in age and certainly an injury risk this season, but when healthy Khabibulin is a serviceable No. 2 Fantasy option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 unit.
News: TSN.ca reports the Oilers have landed a starting goalie with the signing of free agent Nikolai Khabibulin Wednesday. Hours after seeing 2008-09 starter Dwayne Roloson sign with the Islanders, Khabibulin agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal with the Oilers. The 36-year-old netminder spent the last four seasons with the Blackhawks, sharing goaltending duties last season with Cristobal Huet. "Nikolai is a world-class goaltender who has proven himself throughout his career as one of the best in the game," Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said in a release. "He has had success at many levels of hockey and we're looking forward to seeing him continue that success here in Edmonton."
Analysis: The Blackhawks were hoping to bring back Khabibulin after he posted a 25-8-7 record with 2.33 GAA, .919 save percentage and three shutouts in 42 games last season. He was also instrumental in helping Chicago make it all the way to the Western Conference finals. It was a big change in feelings toward Khabibulin after last summer when they wanted to trade him following the signing of Huet. Khabibulin is no spring chicken and has a history of injury issues in recent seasons. But with a starting job heading into fall camp, Khabibulin will be no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie Draft Day.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin was not in uniform Wednesday for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Red Wings because of a lower body injury. His presence was likely needed as Chicago was eliminated after a 2-1 Detroit win. Khabibulin missed the final two games of the series.
Analysis: Khabibulin missed some time this season due to a nagging groin injury, but the Blackhawks didn't say if this latest setback was related. Khabibulin had a pretty strong season after Chicago was looking to dump him following the signing of Cristobal Huet. Khabibulin is headed for free agency and where he signs will dictate his Fantasy value heading into 2009-10. He is aging and becoming injury-prone, so he might not be anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie Draft Day.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin was unable to play in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday against the Red Wings as expected with a lower body injury. Cristobal Huet started in his place, with Corey Crawford acting as the backup to Huet.
Analysis: Not much is being said about Khabibulin's injury situation, so it's hard to know how bad it is. It's obviously bad enough to keep him out of a practically must-win Game 4 in which the Blackhawks were crushed 6-1. He split time with Huet this season after being put on waivers before the season began. He ended up splitting time with Huet this season and started every playoff game before Sunday. He may be more than a No. 2 option in 2009-2010.
News: The Blackhawks will probably start backup goalie Cristobal Huet in place of Nikolai Khabibulin for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday. Khabibulin played the first two periods Friday before leaving with an injury. Huet replaced him and was able to stop a Red Wings' surge that had produced three quick second-period goals and wiped out Chicago's 3-0 lead.
Analysis: The Blackhawks are being very tight-lipped regarding their injury situation involving both Khabibulin and Martin Havlat. The injury must be reasonably serious if Khabibulin is going to miss a playoff game. Khabibulin was a No. 2 option while sharing starts with Huet this season, but could be more in the 2009-2010 season.
News: With Friday's Game 3 against the Red Wings tied at 3 at two periods, Cristobal Huet came in to replace starting goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who had a lower-body injury. Huet, in his first action of the postseason, stopped six shots in the third. His play helped slow the Red Wings' momentum after they scored three goals in the second. Khabibulin is considered questionable for Game 4.
Analysis: Khabibulin's injury must have been at least somewhat serious for him to come out in a crucial Game 3 against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Hopefully the injury won't be something that carries over to the 2009-2010 season as he is looking like he may be a high-end option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin looked like a playoff-ready goaltender, even if the game had little meaning. Khabibulin had 37 saves Sunday to get his 41st career shutout as the Chicago Blackhawks tuned up for their first postseason appearance in seven years by beating the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 in the regular-season finale. "It's definitely nice to finish on a high note. The game didn't mean much for either team, but you want to have good habits going into the playoffs," said Khabibuli, who stopped a short-handed breakaway by Johan Franzen early in the final period. "For a goalie, I think anytime you get a shutout it's good. Having said that, you know tomorrow is another day and the regular season doesn't matter anymore."
Analysis: What a solid way to finish the regular season. After missing a month with a groin injury, Khabibulin returned in mid-March to win eight of his last 13 appearances. He has two shutouts in that span as well after getting just one in the first six months. Khabibulin came into the season with low-expectations after Chicago signed Cristobal Huet in the offseason. The Blackhawks tried to rid themselves of Khabibulin, but when they found no takers, they decided to use his services. He responded by being coach Joel Quenneville's top goalie and posting 25 wins in 42 appearances. We are not sure Khabibulin will be back in Chicago next season since he is an unrestricted free agent, so where he lands in the offseason will dictate his value. But we envision he will be more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal this season becuase Khabinulin and Huet have been solid.
News: After Rick Nash scored a late goal to force overtime and give the Blue Jackets the final point they need to clinch a playoff spot, Fedor Tyutin scored the lone goal in the shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin in Columbus' 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. Khabibulin stopped 19 saves in his fifth straight start and the 10th in the last 11 games. He led 2-0 after the first and 3-2 after two before Nash tied the game at 14:30 of the third. The loss snapped a four-game win streak for Khabibulin.
Analysis: Khabibulin has missed some time this season due to injury and has lost some starts to Cristobal Huet, but he has played well for the most part and has won 24 times in 41 outings. Not bad for a guy that no one wanted to start the season. We are not sure Khabibulin will be back in Chicago next season since he is an unrestricted free agent, so where he lands in the offseason will dictate his value. But we envision he will be more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal this season becuase Khabinulin and Huet have been solid.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin won his fourth straight game Tuesday when he made 22 saves in a 4-2 defeat of Nashville.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now won seven of his last eights starts and has allowed one or fewer goals in his first four April outings. Khabibulin is a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie, while the Blackhawks TG can be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 20 saves for his second shutout of the season and the 40th of his career, and rookie Kris Versteeg scored his 22nd of the season with 1:50 remaining in overtime to give Chicago a 1-0 win over Columbus on Sunday night. Moments before Versteeg's winner, Khabibulin stymied Kris Russell, who also had a lengthy breakaway. Before Russell's breakaway, he kicked Versteeg's overtime shot off the Columbus goal line. Near the midway mark of the third period, the Blackhawks hemmed Columbus in its own zone for nearly two minutes, with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews narrowly missing on close-range shots. The Blue Jackets finally cleared on a quick rush and created a scoring chance but Khabibulin stopped Jiri Novotny's redirection. "We had that shift in the third where we were all over them and they come down and Khabby made a toe save," coach Joel Quenneville said. "He kept us in the game at critical times."
Analysis: Khabibulin has now won six of his last seven starts and has allowed one or fewer goals in his first three April outings. Khabibulin did look a little rusty after missing a month with a groin injury, but Quenneville kept going to the veteran netminder and his persistent has paid off in a big way. Khabibulin is a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie, while the Blackhawks TG can be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 25 saves, and Jonathan Toews' scored his team-leading 32nd goal as the Chicago Blackhawks clinched their first playoff berth in seven years by beating the Nashville Predators 3-1 on Friday. Cal O'Reilly tied it at 1 on a rebound after Khabibulin made a pad save on Joel Ward's shot from the right circle. Khabibulin then stopped 19 shots over two scoreless periods for his fifth win in six starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin did look a little rusty after missing a month with a groin injury, but coach Joel Quenneville kept going to the veteran netminder and his persistent has paid off in a big way. Khabibulin is a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie, while the Blackhawks TG can be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: The St. Louis Blues didn't exactly test Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin on Wednesday night in a 3-1 loss. Khabibulin only needed to stop 16 shots to win the game as the Blues only pelted him with 17. He improved to 21-8-6 with the easy win.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won four of his last five starts for the Blackhawks and has an excellent record on the season. Consider Khabibulin a No. 2 Fantasy goalie over the final weeks. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal because Cristobal Huet is a solid backup.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 19 saves during a 4-0 loss to the Canucks Sunday. Daniel Sedin's goal 3:22 into the game was all Vancouver would need to beat Chicago. The loss snapped Khabibulin's three-game winning streak.
Analysis: Khabibulin has started seven of the last eight games for the Blackhawks as Chicago tries to get him acclimated after he missed a month with a groin injury. Consider Khabibulin a No. 2 Fantasy goalie over the final weeks. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal because Cristobal Huet is a solid backup.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 28 saves during a 3-2 overtime win against the Devils Friday. In the final minutes of the second, Khabibulin made a point-blank stop on Bobby Holik and Martin Brodeur stopped Patrick Sharp after he stickhandled around New Jersey defenseman Bryce Salvador. Both goalies were alert in the scoreless third. Khabibulin moved quickly to block Travis Zajac's 20-foot wrist shot during a power play midway through the period, then stopped Holik with five minutes left. Khabibulin rallied from a 2-1 deficit for his third straight win.
Analysis: Khabibulin is finally starting to heat up for the Blackhawks after missing a month with a groin injury. Khabibulin can be a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie since he is technically the Blackhawks' starting goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal because Cristobal Huet is a solid backup.
News: After squandering a 4-1 lead, Chicago got shootout goals from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, and Nikolai Khabibulin made two big saves to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-5 on Wednesday and move back into sole possession of fourth place in the Western Conference. After Kane scored to give Chicago the lead opening the shootout, a shot by San Jose's Joe Pavelski hit the pipe and went off. Toews then beat San Jose goalie Evgeni Nabokov, and Khabibulin secured the win by snuffing former Blackhawks' star Jeremy Roenick. "Habby (Khabibulin) bailed us out tonight with some good saves," forward Andrew Ladd said. "And Johnny and Kaner were big in the shootout. We're happy with the two points, but it's not good giving up the lead at the end."
Analysis: Khabibulin was sitting on a 5-3 lead with six minutes to play before San Jose was able to send the game into overtime. Luckily, he came up big in overtime and the shootout to secure the win. Khabibulin has won his last two starts and is beginning to gain confidence after missing a month with a groin injury. Khabibulin can be a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie since he is technically the Blackhawks' starting goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal because Cristobal Huet is a solid backup.
News:Patrick Sharp and Martin Havlat each scored two goals, Nikolai Khabibulin made 14 saves, and the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Sunday to end an 0-3-2 slump. Khabibulin lost a bid for his second shutout this season and 40th of his career when the Kings' Drew Doughty scored a power-play goal with 3:06 left in the third.
Analysis: Khabibulin earned his first win since a 3-1 victory in Atlanta on Feb. 11, when he suffered a groin injury that sidelined him for a month. Khabibulin, who was activated from injured reserve on March 11, has started four of Chicago's past five games. He finally allowed less than three goals Sunday in that span and it could get the veteran goalie on track. Khabibulin can be a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News:Patrick O'Sullivan and Ales Kotalik scored in a shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin to give the Edmonton Oilers their third straight victory, 5-4 over the slumping Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. Khabibulin never led in the game, but was able to shut out Edmonton on nine shots in the third period as Chicago rallied to tie the game. Khabibulin made five more saves in overtime before losing in the shootout. He had 27 saves and hasn't won since Feb. 11 in Atlanta, when he sustained a groin injury that sidelined him for a month.
Analysis: Khabibulin has lost his last three starts since coming off the injury and has allowed three or more goals in each outing. He appears to be very rusty since taking a month off and Chicago can't afford that down the stretch. Khabibulin has to pick up his game or fear losing more starts to Cristobal Huet. Khabibulin can be a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but take him down a notch until he can get on track. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: All Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin could do was watch history be made. Martin Brodeur posted his 552nd win and passed childhood idol and Hall of Famer Patrick Roy for the most career victories in league history, as he made 30 saves in the New Jersey Devils' 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Khabibulin, who made 27 saves, fell behind 38 seconds into the game as Jamie Langenbrunner beat him with his 24th goal. Brian Gionta's short-handed goal 16:56 into the second gave New Jersey a three-goal lead and proved to be the eventual game winner.
Analysis: The odds seemed stacked against Khabibulin heading into Tuesday's game as Brodeur was playing on his home ice. Khabibulin did a nice job battling back, but the hockey gods seemed to be with Brodeur. Khabibulin has made two straight starts for Chicago since coming back from a groin injury, but has lost them both. Still, Chicago is expected to lean on the veteran goalie down the stretch. Khabibulin can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin made 15 saves during Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Islanders in his first game since Feb. 11, when he aggravated a groin injury in Atlanta. Khabibulin battled to a scoreless first period before New York took a 3-1 lead in the second. "He'll get better," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said.
Analysis: The Blackhawks hope to lean on Khabibulin down the stretch, so despite being rusty in his first start back, they aren't bailing on the veteran goalie. Khabibulin will still share starts with Cristobal Huet, but can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal when both goalies are active.
News: The Blackhawks have activated goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin from injured reserve and sent goalie Antti Niemi to Rockford of the AHL. Khabibulin, who has been sidelined by a groin injury since he was hurt Feb. 11, leads the Blackhawks with a 2.37 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage and has a 17-5-5 record in 29 games. Khabibulin needs three wins for his 10th 20-victory season. He is 291-264-58 in 13 NHL seasons. He has shared playing time this season with Cristobal Huet. Khabibulin was in uniform on Wednesday against the Hurricanes but did not play as Huet got the start.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have been patiently awaiting the return of Khabibulin and have had to look elsewhere to fill the void. Khabibulin is 17-5-5 on the year, having a surprisingly strong season after he was on the chopping block before the season started. Now that he's healthy, Khabibulin can be thought of as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie although it may take him a while to get back into game form after missing a month.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin has resumed skating, but not taking shots. Chicago GM Dale Tallon said both Khabibulin is "very close" to returning
Analysis: Don't even think about throwing the Bulin Wall in your lineup for Fantasy Week 23 (March 9-15), but keep him in your plans for the following period. He is a No. 2 goalie when healthy if he's getting enough starts.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports injured goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (lower body) skated by himself Thursday, but isn't ready to return. Cristobal Huet will start Friday against the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Khabibulin has not played since beating the Thrashers on Feb. 11, giving up only one goal and making 36 saves. He has been a nice surprise this season after being placed on the chopping block before the season began. He is a No. 2 goalie when healthy, but he should remain on the bench for the upcoming scoring period (March 2-8). The Blackhawks TG still has high-end Fantasy option since Huet has played well in Khabibulin's absence.
News: According to The Chicago Tribune, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said goalie Nikolai Khabibulin would return to practice some time this week as he makes his way back from a lower body injury that got him placed on the IR.
Analysis: Khabibulin has not played since beating the Thrashers on Feb. 11, giving up only one goal and making 36 saves. He has been a nice surprise this season after being placed on the chopping block before the season began. He is a No. 2 goalie when healthy, but he should remain on the bench for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin was placed on the IR on Wednesday as he deals with a lower body injury. Cristobal Huet has taken over the starting duties in Chicago as Khabibulin recovers from his injury. Khabibulin is 17-5-5 this season but hasn't played since Feb. 11 against Atlanta.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been extremely effective this season, which has been a pleasant surprise for Fantasy owners. He was on the block earlier this season, but retaining him seems to have been the right move. He is a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. He will likely need to be reserved for the upcoming scoring period.
News: The Chicago Daily Herald reports Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who has been battling a lower-body injury, won't travel with the team on their three-game road trip Tampa Bay, Florida and Dallas, coach Joel Quenneville said Monday. It was decided after Khabibulin couldn't make it through Monday's practice, and Quenneville added that his starting goalie could have re-aggravated a lower-body injury from November that kept him out six games. Cristobal Huet is expected to make most of the starts in Khabibulin's absence, but Antti Niemi a start in one of the back-to-back games this weekend.
Analysis: Khabibulin has made just 29 appearances this season due to injury and losing starts to Huet. Well, we can't be too upset since he was on the chopping block to begin the season. Khabibulin has done very well for Chicago this season and has emerged as a viable No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. But he needs to be kept reserved through Week 20 (Feb. 16-22).
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin was not in uniform on Saturday against the Stars as he deals with a lower body injury. Antti Niemi whas called up to back up Cristobal Huet who is getting the starts for Chicago while Khabibulin is out.
Analysis: Unless there's some news stating that Khabibulin is going to come back and play on Tuesday at Tampa Bay, he is someone who should be avoided for the upcoming scoring period. His injury isn't thought to be a serious one, but it has done enough damage to keep him out for two games. He is a No. 2 option when healthy as he will continue giving starts away to Huet.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin was not in uniform on Friday against the Blues as he deals with a lower body injury. He was expected to be out for the game according to the Chicago Daily Herald and it is unknown if he'll be able to play on Saturday against Dallas. Antti Niemi was called up to back up Cristobal Huet who got the start in the game.
Analysis: Khabibulin was on a pretty nice roll before this lower body injury occured. He had won four of five starts and seemed to have taken away even more starts from Huet who is starting in his place while injured. The injury isn't supposed to be serious, so hopefully he'll be back before the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie because he is still giving away some starts to Huet.
News: The Chicago Daily Herald reports the Blackhawks are have diagnosed Nikolai Khabibulin's lower body injury, which he suffered Wednesday against the Thrashers, as "minor." Khabibulin, who missed six games in November with a lower-body injury, finished Wednesday's 3-1 win and earned his 17th victory. However, Antti Niemi was recalled from Rockford (AHL) Thursday just in case Khabibulin won't be in uniform Friday against the Blues.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won four of his last five starts. He has an impressive 2.37 GAA and .924 save percentage on the season. He is still losing starts to Huet, but is technically the starter in Joel Quenneville's eyes. The injury doesn't sound serious, but we have heard this before. Khabibulin is more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy since he doesn't start every night. Hopefully, he will be ready by Fantasy Week 20 (Feb. 16-22).
News: Chicago G Nikokai Khabibulin put together a solid performance against the Thrashers on Wednesday, allowing only one goal on 37 shot attempts in a 3-1 win. It was Khabibulin's fourth win in five games, but the first time he allowed only one goal since Jan. 11 against the Predators.
Analysis: Khabibulin came off of a pretty terrible relief appearance against the Canucks on Saturday in which he gave up four additional goals after Cristobal Huet was pulled. He has been the better goalie in Chicago lately and is getting most of the starts at this point. However, he can only be thought of as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie while the Blackhawks TG is a high-end unit.
News: Chicago G Cristobal Huet allowed three of the nine shots he faced in the first period to get past him in Saturday's game against the Canucks, ultimately taking the loss in a 7-3 game. He was pulled in favor of Nikolai Khabibulin who went on to give up for more goals in the game on 16 shots. The loss is Huet's third in his last four starts dating back to before the All-Star game.
Analysis: Khabibulin's relief effort wasn't too much better than the effort Huet put out in the start. However, Khabibulin has a three-game win streak at the moment and has to be considered the No. 1 in Chicago right now despite losing starts to Huet. Khabibulin can be thought of as a No. 2 option right now while the Blackhawks TG is a high-end option.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin made 29 saves in a 5-2 win over the Flames to improve to 16-4-5 on the season. He has now won three straight games, giving up exactly two goals in each of the three contests.
Analysis: Khabibulin had a game off against the Oiers on Tuesday but was back in action on Thursday and didn't miss a beat. He is a solid goalie but has to share starts with Cristobal Hueat so he can only be thought of as a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Blackhawks TG on the other hand is a solid high-end unit with two good goalies between the pipes.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin made 33 saves and gave up only two goals in a 4-2 win over the Sharks on Saturday. The win was his second in a row as his record improves to 15-4-5 on the year.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been one of the best goalies in the league this season, but has failed to reach elite status in Fantasy because his backup Cristobal Huet has also been outstanding this season, taking starts away from him. Keep thinking of Khabibulin as a No. 2 option for now. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end option.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin was able to hang on to a 3-2 victory over the Ducks in which he had to make 36 saves. The win improves Khabibulin's record to 14-4-5 on the year, having lost his last two games coming into Wednesday night.
Analysis: Khabibulin had cooled off recently but is now back in the win column after beating the Ducks on Wednesday. The Blackhawks are poised for a playoff push and Khabibulin's play will be critical to the team's success. The problem is that Cristobal Huet continues to impress in Chicago and keeps stealing starts away from him. Consider Khabibulin a No. 2 option until Huet eventually tails off. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 22 saves during a 4-1 loss to the Wild Monday. Khabibulin never led in the game and fell behind 3-0 thanks to two power-play scores from Marek Zidlicky. Cal Clutterbuck sealed the win with an empty-net goal. Khabibulin has just one win in his last four starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin has just two wins in his last six outings, but hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of those appearances. He just isn't getting a lot of offensive support. Coach Joel Quenneville still thinks of Khabibulin as his starter, but with the way Cristobal Huet has played as of late, he is throwing the backup a few more starts. Consider Khabibulin a No. 2 Fantasy option, while the Blackhawks TG has high-end appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the goaltending tandem of Nikolai Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet is making the difference for the Blackhawks. At the start of the season it seemed likely that general manager Dale Tallon would eventually have to trade Khabibulin, who is in the last year of a four-year contract. He and Huet are the highest-paid goaltending tandem in the NHL at $12 million. Shedding Khabibulin would create salary cap space and enable Tallon to pick up a top-notch center, still a need for the team. The two-man goaltending rotation, though, is working, and it'll be difficult to move either one of the netminders now because both are playing so well. Khabibulin has a 13-3-5 record and is 7-0-4 in games played at the United Center. Huet is 12-7-3 and has won eight of his last 10 starts.
Analysis: Coach Joel Quenneville technically has Khabibulin ahead of Huet on the depth chart, but Huet does get his fair share of starts. Chicago signed him in the offseason to be their No. 1 netminder, but it appears Chicago is going to make a run at the cup with both netminders. It cuts into both of their Fantasy value as Khabibulin is more of a No. 2 option, and Huet is a No. 3 option and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Chris Drury scored his second power-play goal of the game past Nikolai Khabibulin at 2:23 of overtime, tipping in Wade Redden's shot from the top of the slot to give the New York Rangers a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Khabibulin made 19 saves while losing for the second time in three starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin hasn't allowed more than three goals in his last five outings, but has two wins to show for it. He is not getting a lot of offensive support, but it's hardly his fault. Cristobal Huet is breathing down his neck, but Khabibulin remains the starter in Chicago and a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves, and Dustin Byfuglien, Dave Bolland and Martin Havlat scored to help the Chicago Blackhawks snap a two-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Sunday night. Khabibulin had to be alert on several Nashville chances -- mostly from sharp angles or longer range -- in the third. He quickly covered up rebounds or they were picked up by his teammates. Martin Erat scored the only goal for Nashville in the first and Khabibulin shut the Predators out in the final two periods.
Analysis: Khabibulin was sharp, but wasn't forced to make many tough saves in improving to 13-3-4. He has won just twice in his last five appearances, but he is not in jeopardy of losing his starting status to Cristobal Huet. Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a decent No. 1 option.
News:Wojtek Wolski's goal past Nikolai Khabibulin with 6:59 remaining broke a tie in the Colorado Avalanche' 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Andrew Raycroft sent a pass to Ryan Smyth at the Blackhawks' blue line, who skated in on Khabibulin. The goalie stopped Smyth's shot, followed by a rebound chance from Milan Hejduk, only to have Wolski knock it in for his third goal in two games. Khabibulin was incensed, throwing his stick to the ice behind the net. Chicago pulled Khabibulin with 1:20 remaining, but couldn't get anything past Raycroft, who tied a career high by winning his sixth consecutive start. Khabibulin made 30 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Khabibulin played well enough Thursday to win, but just didn't get enough offensive support. Cristobal Huet has put a lot of pressure on lately with a solid run, but coach Joel Quenneville is stick with Khabibulin as his No. 1 goalie. If Huet didn't steal some of his starts, Khabibulin would be a top-flight option. However, he remains only a No. 2 option for the moment. The Blackhawks TG has the potential to be a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: After getting some ice time outside in the Winter Classic on New Year's Day, G Nikolai Khabibulin returned indoors to take on the Flames and picked up a 5-2 victory, making 32 saves. The win improves his record to an impressive 12-2-4 on the year, coming into the game with a 2.44 GAA.
Analysis: Khabibulin was hung out to dry at the end of last season, but is now showing that his doubters were wrong, putting up impressive numbers in Chicago. If Cristobal Huet didn't steal some of his starts, Khabibulin would be a top-flight option. However, he remains only a No. 2 option for the moment. The Blackhawks TG has the potential to be a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin was given the cold day off in Thursday's outdoors Winter Classic meeting in Wrigley Field against the Red Wings. But after Cristobal Huet allowed six goals by the early parts of the 3rd period, the Blackhawks pulled Huet and inserted their normal starter into the game. He stopped all 13 shots he faced as Chicago lost 6-4.
Analysis: For a player that was on the brink of being traded and wasn't even claimed off waivers, Khabibulin is getting the last laugh in 2008-09. He has been as outstanding as any goalie in the Western Conference, and if it wasn't for losing some starts to Cristobal Huet, Khabibulin would be a legit No. 1 Fantasy goalie. For now, he remains a No. 2 option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 35 shots during a 4-0 loss to the Red Wings Tuesday. Khabibulin allowed two power-play scores and Johan Franzen to light the lamp twice. His winning streak ended at four games and lost for the first time in regulation since Oct. 11.
Analysis: For a player that was on the brink of being traded and wasn't even claimed off waivers, Khabibulin is getting the last laugh in 2008-09. He has been as outstanding as any goalie in the Western Conference, and if it wasn't for losing some starts to Cristobal Huet, Khabibulin would be a legit No. 1 Fantasy goalie. For now, he remains a No. 2 option. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy potential.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made just 17 saves in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Flyers. He has now won four straight starts, six straight decisions and is 11-1-4 on the year.
Analysis: While Khabibulin continues to play well, he still splits starts with Cristobal Huet, and this fact is killing Fantasy owners right now. Until one emerges as the solid No. 1 goalie in Chicago, continue to think of the Bulin Wall as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie in leagues that aren't based on averages. The Blackhawks TG has to be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option now with how well the team is playing.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 32 saves during Friday's 3-2 overtime win against the Flames to improve 10-1-4 this season and 20-5-2 in his career against Calgary. "He made several key stops, high quality, high-end opportunities for them and he kept us in the game all night long," said Joel Quenneville, 16-4-6 since taking the coaching duties when Denis Savard was fired. "There was dangerous opportunities at both ends. The pace was as good a pace as we have seen all year."
Analysis: Khabibulin has won his last six decisions, and despite missing a few weeks with a lower-body injury, he has picked up where he left off. Khabibulin is losing some starts to Cristobal Huet, but is still worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option, but has potential to be much more.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin played one of the easier wins he'll get this season on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. The Blackhawks scored two goals in the 1st period and five in the 2nd and coasted to a 9-2 win. Khabibulin stopped 31 shots on the game and allowed just two goals.
Analysis: Khabibulin's record improves to 9-1-4 on the season with big victory on Tuesday. He's now won his last five decisions for Chicago and remains the team's No. 1 option in net. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy goalie right now with upside. The Blackhawks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option, but has potential to be much more.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin returned to net Friday against the Avalanche after missing six games with a lower-body injury. He ended up with 18 saves as Chicago rallied for a 4-3 win. The Avalanche took a 2-1 lead in the first period after allowing Craig Adams to score 2 1/2 minutes into the game. Rookie Chris Stewart tied it when he beat Khabibulin with a slap shot from the right circle just as the power play was ending. Assisted on the goal was Ian Laperriere, who then put Colorado ahead 2-1 when he took John-Michael Liles' pass from the boards and redirected it over Khabibulin's right shoulder. Colorado's Wojtek Wolski broke a 2-2 tie early in the third period when he took the pass as he was coming out of his zone, split defensemen Brent Seabrook and Brian Campbell with a burst of speed and slapped the puck past Khabibulin in what had all the appearances of a shootout goal.
Analysis: Chicago had two late goals Friday to bail out Khabibulin, who looked a bit rusty after resting the last few weeks. The fact he wasn't on top of his game was expected, but coach Joel Quenneville has already said Khabibulin will remain his No. 1 goalie until his performance lacks long term. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. The Blackhawks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option, but has potential to be much more.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin (lower body) is scheduled to return to net Friday night at Colorado. "As far as the injury, I'm fine now," Khabibulin said. "I just need a few more shots and I think I'll be ready. I [need] to get back to game speed and get some shots and drills that are more game-related and game situations. Two-on-1s, 3-on-2s and traffic shots and after that I'll be fine."
Analysis: Khabibulin was an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 8-14), and it looks like he might just get the one start on Friday, although he could also play Sunday vs. Columbus. The Blackhawks play three times in Week 11 (Dec. 15-21), but Khabibulin is still likely to contend with Cristobal Huet. He's worth starting in deeper leagues when healthy, but don't be surprised if he only starts once in a week.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin, who is sidelined by a groin injury, missed a fifth straight game Sunday against the Coyotes. Khabibulin could return within a week the team said Sunday.
Analysis: It looks as if Khabibulin might be a shot to play in Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 15-21), but is still an injury-risk start. When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 option, but can be more when he's getting consistent starts.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin (lower body) skated for the second consecutive day Wednesday. Coach Joel Quenneville said Khabibulin is "questionable" to return to action this weekend.
Analysis: It looks as if Khabibulin might be a shot to play in Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 15-21), so plan accordingly. When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 option, but can be more when he's getting consistent starts.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin (lower body) skated before practice on Tuesday. We'll see how he progresses over the week," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We'll get a better idea if the weekend is possible. But it's not severe."
Analysis: It looks at the moment as if Khabibulin might be a shot to play in Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 15-21), so plan accordingly. When healthy, Khabibulin is a No. 2 option, but can be more when he's getting consistent starts.
News:Cristobal Huet, making his eighth start Saturday and third straight while Nikolai Khabibulin recovers from an undisclosed lower-body injury, stopped 23 shots in his first game against the team he began his NHL career with in 2002-03.
Analysis: The good news is that Chicago has listed Khabibulin as day-to-day, but the bad news is that we aren't sure how long he will be sidelined since Chicago is being vague. Don't forget that Evgeni Nabokov and Manny Legace were both day-to-day earlier this season with lower-body injuries and missed considerable time. When healthy, Khabibulin is a decent low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. However, he remains a risky option heading into Week 9 (Dec. 1-7).
News: The Blackhawks were skating without their normal starting goalie Friday against the Ducks. Cristobal Huet made his second appearance since Nikolai Khabibulin sustained a lower-body injury that forced him to leave Wednesday night in San Jose. Khabibulin was not in uniform Friday and is day-to-day. Corey Crawford was recalled from Rockford of the AHL to back up Huet.
Analysis: The good news is that Chicago has listed Khabibulin as day-to-day, but the bad news is that we aren't sure how long he will be sidelined since Chicago is being vague. Don't forget that Evgeni Nabokov and Manny Legace were both day-to-day earlier this season with lower-body injuries and missed considerable time. When healthy, Khabibulin is a decent low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. However, he remains a risky option heading into Week 9 (Dec. 1-7) if he can't play Saturday against the Kings.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 24 shots and allowed just one goal in 40 minutes of action on Wednesday against the Sharks. The Blackhawks pulled him to start the 3rd period as he suffered a lower body injury and his replacement Cristobal Huet allowed a goal in the 3rd and another in overtime as Chicago lost the game.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Khabibulin has been the subject of trade speculation, but has been the Blackhawks' best goalie in the early going. He is losing starts to Cristobal Huet, but seems to be coach Joel Quenneville's favorite option at this time, if healthy. He remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie, when healthy. He looked great Wednesday before getting injured so hopefully he doesn't miss much time.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals against Toronto on Saturday night but still picked up the 5-4 victory in overtime. He stopped 34 of 38 shots that were peppered his way throughout regulation and the extra frame and was one goal better than Vesa Toskala over the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Khabibulin improved his record to 7-1-4 on the season for the Blackhawks. The 35-year-old Khabibulin has been the subject of trade speculation, but has been the Blackhawks' best goalie in the early going. He is losing starts to Cristobal Huet, but seems to be coach Joel Quenneville's favorite option at this time. Whether Khabibulin finishes the season or not with Chicago remains to be seen, but he is worth using as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end Fantasy option with two top netminders.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 31 shots to help the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Dallas Stars 6-3 on Thursday. Khabibulin, who also had an assist, allowed just one power-play goal and shutout the Stars on seven shots in the third period for his second straight win.
Analysis: The 35-year-old Khabibulin has been the subject of trade speculation, but has been the Blackhawks' best goalie in the early going, improving his record to 6-1-4. Khabibulin kept it tied in the first period when Dallas held a 14-7 shots edge. He is losing starts to Cristobal Huet, but seems to be coach Joel Quenneville's favorite option at this time. Whether Khabibulin finishes the season or not with Chicago remains to be seen, but he is worth using as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a high-end Fantasy option with two top netminders.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 36 shots in regulation and overtime on Tuesday night in a 3-2 shootout win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Khabibulin allowed two goals in the game as Zbynek Michalek scored in the 2nd period to make it 2-1. Shane Doan put one past Khabibulin in the 3rd period that tied the game. Khabibulin was sharp in the shootout, though, stopping both wrist shot's he faced for the win.
Analysis: Khabibulin's record improves to 5-1-4 on the season with the victory. He's played three straight overtime games and has allowed a total of seven goals in those contests. Khabibulin has been pretty solid in net since Joel Quenneville took over and continues to split starts with Cristobal Huet. Until he becomes a full-time starter, Khabibulin is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News:Andy McDonald scored his second goal on a power play 2:15 into overtime past Nikolai Khabibulin to give the St. Louis Blues a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. With Chicago's Dave Bolland off for hookiKhabibulinng, McDonald fired the winner past Khabibulin on a low shot from the right circle. Khabibulin also allowed a short-handed goal while making 26 saves.
Analysis: Khabibulin has only lost once in regulation this season while dropping four games in either overtime or a shootout. He just doesn't seem to hold up in the extra period. Regardless, Khabibulin has been pretty solid in net since Joel Quenneville took over and continues to split starts with Cristobal Huet. Until he becomes a full-time starter, Khabibulin is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News:P.J. Axelsson scored in the third round of a shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin to give the Boston Bruins a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Khabibulin made 38 saves and faced more tough chances than Tim Thomas, who made 31 saves, especially in the second and third periods and through overtime. Khabibulin made several spectacular saves in overtime, including stops on Marc Savard and David Krejci. An apparent Boston goal with 9:12 left in the third was disallowed when the Bruins' Blake Wheeler interfered with Khabibulin in the crease. The only goal he allowed in regulation was a power-play score by Marco Sturm in the second period. Khabibulin also allowed Wheeler to score in the shootout.
Analysis: Khabibulin played well enough to win a third straight start Wednesday, but fell to 4-1-3. Still, he has lost just once in 2008-09 and could have as many as seven wins if he was just better in shootouts. He has been pretty solid in net for Chicago since Joel Quenneville has taken over the coaching reigns. Still, he is splitting starts with Cristobal Huet and that really cuts into Khabibulin's Fantasy value. Treat him as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blackhawks TG is quickly becoming a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 24 saves during a 6-2 win Monday against the Avalanche. Khabibulin fell behind 1-0 in the first period, but Chicago then rallied for two goals in the second period and they never trailed again. Both of the goals Khabibulin allowed came at even strength.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won two straight starts and four of six. His two non-wins were both shootout losses. He has been pretty solid in net for Chicago since Joel Quenneville has taken over the coaching reigns. Still, he is splitting starts with Cristobal Huet and that really cuts into Khabibulin's Fantasy value. Treat him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blackhawks TG isn't a bad No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 21 saves during a 5-2 win Friday against the Stars. Khabibulin fell behind early as Loui Eriksson put Dallas up 1-0 6:17 into the game, but Chicago scored two unanswered goals and never trailed again after that. Khabibulin has won three of his last five starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin is still sharing starts with Cristobal Huet as new coach Joel Quenneville finds out who is his best option in net. Khabibulin is still a bit shaky from start-to-start, so treat him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blackhawks TG isn't a bad No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Detroit topped Chicago, 5-4, in a shootout on Saturday night. Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin made 39 saves in starting back-to-back games for the first time this season. Khabibulin could stop just two of the four shootout shots he faced for the shootout loss.
Analysis: Khabibulin is now 2-1-2 this season and has allowed 13 goals in five starts. Until Khabibulin becomes a full-time starter, he remains more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG isn't a bad No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was quick to share the credit after his 39th career NHL shutout. "The whole team worked well," Khabibulin said. "I was really impressed." Khabibulin made 23 saves to help Chicago beat Edmonton 3-0 on Wednesday night to end the Oilers' season-opening winning streak at four games. Khabibulin's shutout was his first of the season and fourth since he joined the Blackhawks as a free agent in July 2005. "Edmonton is a fast team and I thought we outskated them tonight," Khabibulin added. "I thought our defensive zone coverage was really good."
Analysis: Khabibulin has been solid in his past three starts, but coach Joel Quenneville isn't ready to make him the team's No. 1 goalie ahead of Cristobal Huet. "Right now, I'm in no hurry," Quenneville said. "Both guys are deserving of getting some playing time. It's a healthy position to be in as a team." Until Khabibulin becomes a full-time starter, he remains more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG isn't a bad No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin fell to the St. Louis Blues in a shootout on Saturday, 4-3. Khabibulin stopped 26 shots and allowed three goals in regulation and overtime.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been much better in net since losing his debut against the Capitals. He continues to trade starts with Cristobale Huet as Chicago tries to find out who has the hot hand or trades Khabibulin. Until that happens, Khabibulin remains more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a No. 2 option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin kept it close until the Chicago Blackhawks' offense took over midway through the second period. Khabibulin made 29 saves, and Martin Havlat, Patrick Sharp, Brian Campbell and rookie Colin Fraser scored in the final 29 minutes to lead the Blackhawks to their first victory of the season, 4-1 over the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday. Khabibulin kept it scoreless early. He made several close-in saves until a power-play goal by Peter Mueller at 4:30 of the second gave the Coyotes a 1-0 lead. "We got great goaltending in the first period," Chicago coach Denis Savard said. "Then we got some breaks and the puck went in for us."
Analysis: Khabibulin was much better in net Wednesday after losing his debut Saturday against the Capitals. He continues to trade starts with Cristobale Huet as Chicago tries to find out who has the hot hand or trades Khabibulin. Until that happens, Khabibulin remains more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin picked up 30 saves in 34 chances on Saturday but the Blackhawks lost to the Capitals. Khabibulin allowed four goals in the game.
Analysis: Khabibulin is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time because we expect Cristobal Huet to start on most nights for Chicago.
News: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start the regular season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 35-year-old Khabibulin had seemed destined to be sent to the minors, traded or opt to play in his native Russia by the time the Blackhawks open their regular season Friday night in New York against the Rangers. But on Tuesday, Khabibulin was on Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon's final roster heading into the regular season. The goalie, who did not appear in any of Chicago's eight preseason games, is entering the final year of a four-year contract that is set to pay him $6.75 million this season. Khabibulin practiced with the Blackhawks at the team's suburban Chicago facility on Tuesday after not being on the ice for a session on Saturday. The Blackhawks played their final exhibition game on Sunday and didn't practice on Monday.
Analysis: Chicago signed free-agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22.45 million deal on July 1. Tallon and Blackhawks coach Denis Savard maintained they planned to start the season with the "luxury" of two No. 1 goalies. "The best goaltender is going to play," Tallon said. "Nick knows that and I know that." Last week, Khabibulin cleared waivers, giving the Blackhawks the option of sending him to Rockford of the American Hockey League. Tallon confirmed that he talked to other teams about trading Khabibulin, but none of the discussions became serious. Trading Khabibulin remains a possibility. "As we move on, we have a lot of assets," Tallon said. "We'll do whatever is right for the Chicago Blackhawks." We still feel as though Huet will start on most nights, so look to Khabibulin as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: The Chicago Blackhawks sent G Antti Niemi to Rockford of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: When Nikolai Khabibulin was waived, it looked like Niemi might get the backup job behind Cristobal Huet, but now it appears Khabibulin might be retained. Continue to ignore Niemi in all formats, but keep an eye on the whole goaltending situation in Chicago.
News: Chicago Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin has been put on waivers. Khabibulin is entering the final season of a four-year, $27 million contract. He joined the Blackhawks from Tampa Bay as a free agent after leading the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup. "We're going to do what's best for the Chicago Blackhawks," GM Dale Tallon said in August about the two No. 1 goalies. "If that means keeping Nick, we'll do that. If not, we'll move on."
Analysis: The Blackhawks signed free agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22.5 million deal in July, giving them two top goaltenders. Khabibulin has been inconsistent and injured over the past three seasons. In 2007-08, he appeared in 50 games, posting a 23-20-6 record with a 2.63 goals against average and .909 save percentage. The Bulin Wall will likely find himself a job elsewhere, but he remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie at best, wherever he ends up.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin allowed at least one goal in each regulation period Sunday against the Red Wings on his way to a 4-1 loss. Khabibulin made 34 saves while ending a three-game winning streak. He has allowed four goals in three of the last five games.
Analysis: Khabibulin played in just 50 games this season due to injury. The biggest blow came in February and March when a back injury kept him out several games. He still managed to win nearly half of his contests despite posting a 2.61 GAA. Khabibulin is not a great goalie, but somehow the Blackhawks keep him in games. If he returns as Chicago's starting goalie in 2008-09, he will be at best a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The Blackhawks TG likely won't be much of a Fantasy factor either.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves Wednesday as Chicago defeated the Red Wings 6-2 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Khabibulin has now won four of his last five starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been taking advantage of his team providing him with some offensive support and is now four games over .500 on the season. Khabibulin is low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals in regulation Sunday against the Blue Jackets, but redeemed himself by stopping every shooter he faced in a shootout, as Chicago won 5-4. Khabibulin has now won two straight starts despite allowing seven goals in that span.
Analysis: Khabibulin has allowed three or more goals in his last four outings, but somehow has won three times. The Blackhawks have been doing a nice job putting goals in the net, but Khabibulin can be trusted outside of being a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 19 shots through the first two periods, but gave up three goals in the third before the Chicago Blackhawks managed to hold on for a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The Blackhawks moved within four points of eighth-place Nashville for the final playoff slot in the Western Conference. Chicago, which plays again Sunday night at home against Columbus with four games remaining, has 82 points.
Analysis: Khabibulin has five wins in his last seven starts, although there was a month-long break in the middle of those victories as he dealt with back spasms. He improved to a pair of games over a .500 record (21-19-6). At this late stage of the season, Khabibulin is a No. 2 goalie and the Blackhawks TG is also No. 2 choice.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 32 shots and did not get offensive support as the Chicago Blackhawks lost 4-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night. Both teams are grasping at slim playoff hopes. Chicago entered the game six points out of the final playoff spot. The Blue Jackets were nine back. Each has five games left.
Analysis: Khabibulin has four wins in his last six starts, although there was a month-long break in the middle of those victories as he dealt with back spasms. At thgis late stage of the season, Khabibulin is a No. 2 goalie and the Blackhawks TG is also No. 2 choice.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 32 shots and did not get offensive support as the Chicago Blackhawks lost 4-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night. Both teams are grasping at slim playoff hopes. Chicago entered the game six points out of the final playoff spot. The Blue Jackets were nine back. Each has five games left.
Analysis: Khabibulin has four wins in his last six starts, although there was a month-long break in the middle of those victories as he dealt with back spasms. At thgis late stage of the season, Khabibulin is a No. 2 goalie and the Blackhawks TG is also No. 2 choice.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves Sunday to pick up his 20th win as Chicago kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 OT win over the Blues.
Analysis: After not winning a single game in January, the Bulin Wall has now won four of his last five starts, although there was a month-long break in the middle of those victories as he dealt with back spasms. If you're desperate for help at the No. 2 goalie position, Khabibulin might be an option in these final couple of weeks as the Hawks look to make a playoff push. The Blackhawks TG is a No. 2 choice, as well.
News: After earning a nice shutout in his first start in more than a month on Wednesday against the Capitals, Nikolai Khabibulin was beaten by Rich Peverley and Alexander Radulov in the shootout and the Chicago Blackhawks lost 2-1 to the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
Analysis: At this stage of the season, Khabibulin is nothing more than a low-end No. 2 or high-end No.3 Fantasy goalie.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 25 saves in his first start in nearly a month to earn his second shutout this season, and the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Washington Capitals 5-0 on Wednesday night. Khabibulin wasn't heavily tested, but made a handful of tough stops. He made a point-blank pad save on Sergei Fedorov in the final seconds of the first period and a glove save on a rebound by Brooks Laich midway through the third. Khabibulin also made a spectacular diving glove save on Alexander Semin with 2:58 left in the third.
Analysis: Khabibulin made his first start since Feb. 20, when he blanked Minnesota 3-0. Following that game, he missed 12 games with back spasms before relieving Patrick Lalime on Sunday. Khabibulin's shutout was the 38th of his career. Use him as a low-end No. 2 or high-end No.3 Fantasy goalie.
News:Patrick Lalime started for Chicago during Sunday's 4-2 loss to Calgary and allowed all four goals on 22 shots through two periods. Nikolai Khabibulin replaced Lalime to start the third and made five saves. Khabibulin, the Blackhawks' No. 1 goalie and highest-paid player, dressed after missing 12 games due to back spasms. Khabibulin dressed because rookie G Corey Crawford, who had been backing up Lalime, had the flu. As a technicality, Crawford was reassigned to Rockford (AHL) before the game.
Analysis: Finally, Khabibulin is back in the lineup. He has seen action in just 42 games this season and was playing some of his best hockey before back spasms pulled him out of the lineup. He has won three of his last five outings and hasn't allowed a goal in his last four period. Khabibulin is streaky, so use him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Blackhawks top goalie Nikolai Khabibulin missed his 12th straight game with back spasms Friday against Columbus. He remains questionable for the next game.
Analysis: Khabibulin seems to have one of the worst case of back spasms, as he just can't get back on the ice. Khabibulin is a streaky Fantasy option when healthy and is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News: Blackhawks top goalie Nikolai Khabibulin missed his 11th straight game with back spasms Wednesday against Carolina. He remains questionable for the next game.
Analysis: Khabibulin seems to have one of the worst case of back spasms, as he just can't get back on the ice. Khabibulin is a streaky Fantasy option when healthy and is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News: Blackawks top goalie Nikolai Khabibulin missed his 10th straight game with back spasms Tuesday against Detroit. He is still questionable for Wednesday against the Carolina.
Analysis: Khabibulin seems to have one of the worst case of back spasms, as he just can't get back on the ice. Khabibulin is a streaky Fantasy option when healthy and is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News: Blachawks No. 1 goalie, Nikolai Khabibulin, missed his ninth straight game with back spasms Sunday against the Oilers. He is still questionable for Tuesday against the Red Wings.
Analysis: Khabibulin seems to have one of the worst case of back spasms, as he just can't get back on the ice. Khabibulin is a streaky Fantasy option when healthy and is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. He's still an injury-risk option for Fantasy Week 24 (March 10-16).
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (back spasms) did not play for an eighth straight game on Friday. He has been out since since Feb. 20 when he posted a shutout against the Wild.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a day to day candidate. He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (back spasms) did not play for a seventh straight game on Wednesday. He has been out since since Feb. 20 when he posted a shutout against the Wild.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a day to day candidate. He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks goalie Patrick Lalime made his sixth straight start in place of the injured Nikolai Khabibulin (back spasms) Tuesday at Minnesota. Khabibulin has not played since Feb. 20 when he posted a shutout against the Wild.
Analysis: Tuesday remains questionable and a day to day candidate. He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks G Patrick Lalime made his fifth straight start in place of the injured Nikolai Khabibulin (back spasms) Sunday against the Canucks. Khabibulin has not played since Feb. 20 when he posted a shutout against the Wild, the Blackhawks' next opponent Tuesday.
Analysis: Tuesday would sure be an ideal time to get Khabibulin back on the ice since he had so much success last time against Minnesota. However, he still remains questionable and a day to day candidate. Consider him an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9). He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin does not have a major problem with his back as an MRI showed on Feb. 25, but he has been sitting the last two games. The veteran is listed as day-to-day and his exact return is uncertain.
Analysis: If you benched Khabibulin this week, then you made the right call, as it doesn't look like he'll get a start. Continue to keep an eye on his progress, but right now he is an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9). He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/ Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin does not have a major problem with his back as an MRI showed on MOnday, but he was still not ready to play Wednesday against the Coyotes. The veteran is listed as day-to-day and his exact return is uncertain.
Analysis: If you benched Khabibulin this week, then you made the right call, as it doesn't look like he'll get a start. Continue to keep an eye on his progress, but right now he is an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9). He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/ Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: An MRI on Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin's back performed Monday showed no major damage, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. The veteran is listed as day-to-day and his exact return is uncertain.
Analysis: If you benched Khabibulin this week, then you made the right call, as it doesn't look like he'll get a start. Continue to keep an eye on his progress, but right now he is an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9). He is nothing more than a low-end No. 2/ Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks tarting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin will have an MRI on Monday to see what's causing the back spasms that began during last Wednesday's 3-0 win over Minnesota, the Blackhawks only shutout of the season. He has missed the last two games.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now missed five of the last six games with knee and back problems. It doesn't sound too good that he has to go for a MRI, so Fantasy owners might want to bench him for Fantasy Week 22 (Feb. 25-March 2). He is still too inconsistent to be trusted as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when in the lineup.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin was held out for a second straight game Sunday against the Ducks because of back spams. He has now missed five of the last six games with knee and back problems. He's questionable for Wednesday against the Coyotes.
Analysis: Khabibulin posted a shutout Wednesday against the Wild as he returned from a three-game absence. He likely was going to once again be the No. 1 goalie before this latest injury cropped up. He still might regain that role when healthy, but he is still too inconsistent to be trusted as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when in the lineup. Consider him an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 22 (Feb. 25-March 2).
News:Nikolai Khabibulin did not playing for the Chicago Blackhawks in Saturday's contest against Los Angeles. Apparently Khabibulin suffered back spasms Friday and will likely miss Sunday's game at Anaheim as well. Patrick Lalime started against the Kings with Corey Crawford serving as backup. Crawford was recalled from Rockford on Friday.
Analysis: Khabibulin was coming off one of his better games of the season when he earned his frist shutout Wednesday, 3-0, over Minnesota. It was his first game back on the ice since a knee sprain forced him to miss three games. Chicago was hoping to keep using Khabibulin's hot hand for this weekend's games, but it ity can't. Khabibulin is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when in the lineup.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 38 saves for his first shutout in nearly a year and rookie Dave Bolland scored two goals to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-0 win over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night. Khabibulin made several tough saves in the second period when the Wild outshot the Blackhawks 16-10. Among Khabibulin's best stops were two on defenseman Brent Burns early in the period. He also made a sprawling close-in save on Burns at 3:40, then a glove save during a Minnesota power play about 30 seconds later.
Analysis: Khabibulin, who missed Chicago's last three games with a mild right knee sprain, got his 37th career shutout and first since March 6. It was only his second since signing with the Blackhawks as a free agent before the 2005-06 season. Khabibulin is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when in the lineup.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin will start Wednesday against the Wild, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Khabibulin had missed the last three games with a knee problem.
Analysis: If you are in one of the few leagues that allows daily lineup changes, then feel free to start Khabibulin on Wednesday, although you need to consider he is playing a pretty strong team in the Wild. He is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin (knee) missed a third straight game Tuesday against the Blues. He has been practicing with the team, and head coach Denis Savard was expecting him back either Tuesday or Wednesday against the Wild.
Analysis: The Blackhawks are just being very cautious with Khabibulin. He is expected back soon, so Fantasy owners don't have to cut him yet. Khabibulin is a very streaky goalie when healthy, so Fantasy owners have to take the good with the bad. He is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin was scratched for the second straight game Sunday against the Avs with a knee sprain. He practiced on Saturday but coach Denis Savard didn't want to risk further injury to his top goaltender. Savard hopes Khabibulin will return either Tuesday at St. Louis or Wednesday at home against Minnesota.
Analysis: The injury comes at a bad time for Khabibulin, who just regained his starting role in Chicago. He is 2-0-2 in four February starts with a 1.68 GAA. Khabibulin is a very streaky goalie when healthy, so Fantasy owners have to take the good with the bad. He is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy. Consider him an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 21 (Feb. 18-24).
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin did not return to action Sunday against the Avalanche because of a sprained knee. He has missed the last two games and remains day to day.
Analysis: The injury comes at a bad time for Khabibulin, who just regained his starting role in Chicago. He is 2-0-2 in four February starts with a 1.68 GAA. Khabibulin is a very streaky goalie when healthy, so Fantasy owners have to take the good with the bad. He is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy. Consider him an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 21 (Feb. 18-24).
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin sprained a knee during Chicago's 7-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Wednesday and the team has recalled Corey Crawford from Rockford (AHL). GM Dale Tallon also announced Thursday that forward Jack Skille has been assigned to Rockford.
Analysis: The injury comes at a bad time for Khabibulin, who just regained his starting role in Chicago. He is 2-0-2 in four February starts with a 1.68 GAA. Khabibulin is a very streaky goalie when healthy, so Fantasy owners have to take the good with the bad. He is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin earned his second win in the last three starts on Wednesday after going winless in 10 previous games. Khabibulin stopped 24 shots and the Blackhawks offense exploded for seven goals in a 7-2 win at Columbus.
Analysis: Khabibulin improves his season record to 17-18-5, but he really hasn't played with much consistency and has even been demoted to backup to Patrick Lalime. Khabibulin is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time. The Blackhawks TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Markus Naslund tied the game with 1:18 left in regulation and Ryan Shannon scored the only goal of the shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin, lifting the Vancouver Canucks to a wild 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Shannon, in just his second game since being called up from the American Hockey League, made contact with Khabibulin as he spun back across his body and tucked the puck in, drawing complaints and a shot to the back of the head from the Chicago goalie. Khabibulin made 32 saves while recording an overtime decision for the second time in three outings.
Analysis: Khabibulin has two or fewer goals in his last three outings, but has only one win to show for it. He won for the first time in 10 outings Jan. 7 against the Flames. He is now the backup to Patrick Lalime until he starts playing well on a consistent basis. He is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time. The Blackhawks TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 Thursday night. Khabibulin was busiest in the third period, when the Flames outshot Chicago 12-6 but couldn't get the tying goal. With four minutes left, Jarome Iginla nearly evened it at 2 during a scramble in the crease but Khabibulin stuck out his arm and swept the puck off the goal line. Khabibulin improved to 19-5-2 against Calgary, his highest win total against any NHL opponent. He also was Tampa Bay's goalie in 2004 when the Lightning defeated the Flames in the Stanley Cup finals.
Analysis: The win ended a long losing streak for Khabibulin, who last won Dec. 26 against the Predators. He had gone 0-8-2 in his previous 10 appearances. He is now the backup to Patrick Lalime until he starts playing well on a consistent basis. He is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time. The Blackhawks TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin, who's winless in 10 straight appearances since Dec. 26, made 38 save in regulation and overtime, but could not prevent Jeremy Roenick from lifting a shot over his pads in the fifth round of the shootout. Blackhawks are winless in four straight.
Analysis: Khabibulin continues to look for his first win since Dec. 26. Khabibulin might turn into a quality starter somewhere down the road, but right now he is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game at this time.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin can't even buy a win these days. Khabibulin was hit up for six goals on 30 shots by the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday in a 6-3 loss. He has lost all eight games he has appeared in the month of January.
Analysis: Khabibulin continues to look for his first win since Dec. 26. Khabibulin might turn into a quality starter somewhere down the road, but right now he is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game at this time.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin, Chicago's highest-paid player, made his first start in six games. Khabibulin made 26 saves, but his personal losing streak reached eight games (0-7-1) aftr a 1-0 loss to Columbus. Among Khabibulin's nine saves in the scoreless first period was a point-blank stick stop on David Vyborny during a Columbus power play midway through the period.
Analysis: Backup Patrick Lalime started the Blackhawks' previous five contests and won four straight before Chicago lost 3-2 at San Jose on Tuesday. Khabibulin hasn't won since Dec. 26. Khabibulin might eventually start again down the road, but is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange reports a change in goaltenders has revived the Blackhawks' playoff drive. Coach Denis Savard pulled starter Nikolai Khabibulin after the Hawks' season-long losing streak reached eight games. Patrick Lalime took over and the Hawks have won four in a row, three in shootouts. Lalime figures to stay between the pipes when the Hawks complete a three-game road trip at San Jose on Tuesday.
Analysis: The Blackhawks were sick of Khabibulin's streaky ways and now he has to watch from the bench as Lalime has the hot hand in the Windy City. Khabibulin might eventually start again, but is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game at this time.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin made only 11 saves. He stopped just two of five shots in the second period as Minnesota built a 4-1 lead for an eventual 4-2 final.
Analysis: It looks like Khabibulin can't even buy a win at the moment. He has lost the last seven appearances in net for Chicago. Khabibulin is back to his streaky ways. He reeled off five wins in six starts from Dec. 12-26, but has since struggled in net. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 27 shots in a 3-1 loss Wednesday against the Stars. Red Wings. Khabibulin made several tough saves in the second, include a point-blank stop on Brenden Morrow during a Dallas power play with 1:24 left in the period.
Analysis: It looks like Khabibulin can't even buy a win at the moment. He has lost the last six appearances in net for Chicago. Khabibulin is back to his streaky ways. He reeled off five wins in six starts from Dec. 12-26, but has since struggled in net. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 25 shots during a 3-1 loss Sunday against the Red Wings. It was a rough start from the beginning for Khabibulin. Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg opened the scoring just 50 seconds into the first period. He streaked down the slot unchecked, and beat Khabibulin on the stick side after taking a pass from Andreas Lilja. Khabibulin allowed all three goals in the first frame.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now lost four straight starts and is winless in five appearances. Don't be surprised if Patrick Lalime earns a start in the upcoming scoring period (Jan. 7-13). The streaky Khabibulin is back. He reeled off five wins in six starts from Dec. 12-26, but has since struggled in net. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin lost for the eighth time in his last nine starts against the Ducks despite making 30 saves during a 2-1 defeat Friday. He has now lost his last three starts and is winless in four appearances. He has allowed 12 goals in that span.
Analysis: The streaky Khabibulin is back. He reeled off five wins in six starts from Dec. 12-26, but has since struggled in net. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 19 shots during a 4-2 loss to the Coyotes Thursday. Khabibulin allowed three goals and the Coyotes picked up an empty netter with 59 seconds left. Khabibulin is winless in his last three starts and has lost his last two. He has allowed 10 goals in that stretch.
Analysis: The streaky Khabibulin is back. He reeled off five wins in six starts from Dec. 12-26, but has since struggled in net. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on nine shots before getting pulled in favor of Patrick Lalime 15 minutes into Chicago's 9-2 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall had won four games in a row coming into Sunday's game against Chicago, but the Blackhawks defeated him twice in three days to start 2008 off on a sour note for the Russian. The Blackhawks play four times in Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 7-13), so consider Khabibulin and the Chicago TG solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie options for that period.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 33 shots during a 3-2 overtime loss to the Kings Sunday. The overtime decision snapped a four-game winning streak for Khabibulin, who has not allowed more than three goals in his last eight appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin had a strong December and posted five wins. He does have 15 wins this season, but is not a spectacular goalie. Merely treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin picked up his fourth consecutive win Wednesday night when he made 30 saves to help defeat the Predators for the second time in eight days.
Analysis: Khabibulin now has 15 wins this season as he continues to defy his age and lead the Blackhawks to second place in the Central Division. Chicago go on the road in Fantasy Week 14 (Dec. 31-Jan. 6), but with games against Los Angeles, Phoenix and Anaheim, Khabibulin remains a solid No. 2 goalie option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 25 saves against Edmonton in a win on Sunday.
Analysis: Khabibulin has allowed three goals or less in each of his past six starts, going 4-2-0 in that span. Start him as a No. 2 goalie in all formats, as well as the Hawks TG.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves during a 4-3 overtime win Saturday against the Senators. He made a nice stop on Jason Spezza midway through the third in which the puck rolled just wide of the right post. He also made a pair of saves on Dany Heatley later in the period to send the game to overtime. He has now won consecutive starts and three of his last four.
Analysis: Khabibulin might be starting to turn a corner because he has allowed three or fewer goals in his last five outings. Still, he is not that trustworthy of a Fantasy option. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 19 saves during a 5-2 win Wednesday against the Predators. He has now won two of his last three starts, but has still allowed two or more goals in his last six appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin might be starting to turn a corner because he has allowed just two goals in each of his last two outings. Still, he is not that trustworthy of a Fantasy option. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin finished with 20 saves in his fifth straight start during Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Sabres. He allowed just two goals and the Sabres put home an empty-net goal with 47 seconds left in the game. Khabibulin has lost four of his last five starts.
Analysis: Saturday was actually the first time in five starts that Khabibulin allowed fewer than three goals. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 25 saves during Chicago's 6-3 win Wednesday against the Kings. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Khabibulin, but he has still allowed three or more goals in his last four outings.
Analysis: Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 23 shots during a 3-2 loss Sunday against the Flames. It was the third straight loss for Khabibulin, who has allowed three or more goals in each losing effort.
Analysis: Khabibulin ended November with six wins in eight outings, but opens December with three losses. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin blocked 17 shots during a 5-3 loss to the Ducks Friday. It was the second straight loss for Khabibulin, and he has now allowed seven goals in his last two appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin ended November with six wins in eight outings, but opens December with two losses. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 28 shots, allowing only Peter Mueller's breakaway goal with 7:57 left during Friday's 6-1 win against the Coyotes. He has won his last five decisions and has allowed just two goals in his last two starts -- both wins.
Analysis: Khabibulin was outstanding in November. He finished 6-1-2 and ended winning his last five decisions. Khabibulin is a streaky goalie and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin made 21 saves to lead the Blackhawks to a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Khabibulin faced the Lightning for the first time since leaving Tampa Bay and signing with Chicago as a free agent in August 2005. He lost his shutout bid midway through the third period when the Lightning's Nick Tarnasky scored a power-play goal. "These guys are very explosive," Khabibulin said. "It's always kind of nice to beat your old team. Unfortunately, they don't give extra points for that."
Analysis: Khabibulin added two assists. Khabibulin has also been a winner in four of his last six starts and five of his last eight (5-1-2). He won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 29 saves during a 3-2 shootout loss Saturday against the Oilers. Khabibulin allowed two goals in the shootout. He has still not lost since Nov. 4 against the Predators, but has two overtime decisions in his last six appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin has also been a winner in three of his last five starts and four of his last seven (4-1-2). Khabibulin goes hot-and-cold quite often. He won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 30 shots during a 2-1 win over the Flames on Thursday. He has now won his last two starts while allowing four goals and making 69 saves.
Analysis: Khabibulin has also been a winner in three of his last four starts and four of his last six (4-1-1). Khabibulin goes hot-and-cold quite often. He won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 39 saves during Saturday's 5-3 win over the Red Wings. Khabibulin has now won four of his last six starts (4-1-1), but has allowed three or more goals in four of those appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin has received some nights off recently as Patrick Lalime has seen some starts thrown his way. Don't look too much into it. The Blackhawks still back Khabibulin as their starter. Khabibulin won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Nikolai Khabibulin was the starter in goal and is also scheduled to start Saturday at Detroit. Khabibulin made 32 saves in defeat against Nashville Thursday. It was his second loss in three starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin has received some nights off recently as Patrick Lalime has seen some starts thrown his way. Don't look too much into it. The Blackhawks still back Khabibulin as their starter. Khabibulin won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Martin Erat beat Nikolai Khabibulin 19 seconds into overtime Thursday to give the Nashville Predators a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Khabibulin made 32 saves in defeat for Chicago. It was his second loss in three starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin has received some nights off recently as Patrick Lalime has seen some starts thrown his way. Don't look too much into it. The Blackhawks still back Khabibulin as their starter. Khabibulin won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: Patrick Lalime returned as the starting goaltender even though Nikolai Khabibulin was solid in the win over Detroit. Khabibulin will work Thursday at Nashville and again Saturday at Detroit. Savard now wants to give schedule them several days in advance, rather than just tell them they'll play on game day, to help in their preparation.
Analysis: Khabibulin is finally starting to get back on track after hitting the skids in late October. He has won three of his past four starts. Khabibulin won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin made 30 saves during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Red Wings. It was his first start since Nov. 4 as Patrick Lalime made consecutive appearances in net for the Blackhawks. However, coach Denis Savard said Khabibulin is "our guy" in net after Lalime's second start. Khabibulin responded with his third win in four starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin is finally starting to get back on track after hitting the skids in late October. Khabibulin won't knock your socks off, but can be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG is worth a look as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks G Patrick Lalime made his second straight start in goal Friday, though coach Denis Savard said Nikolai Khabibulin is "our guy."
Analysis: Khabibulin (5-6-0) started the season strong, but is finally settling into his comfort zone. He has allowed three or more goals in six of his last seven starts. He has four losses in that stretch as well. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin started in goal for the Blackhawks during Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Predators, but allowed three goals on six shots in the first period and was replaced by Patrick Lalime to start the second. He gave up one goal on 12 shots. "He's (Khabibulin) not the only one to be blamed," head coach Denis Savard said. "Those first three goals, there's not much he could do about it... wish we could get one save with those three chances."
Analysis: Khabibulin started the season strong, but is finally settling into his comfort zone. He has allowed three or more goals in six of his last seven starts. He has four losses in that stretch as well. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 20 of 22 shots in goal for the Blackhawks and saw Patrick Sharp score a pair of short-handed goals in the third period to lead Chicago to a 3-2 win Saturday against the Blues. Khabibulin has now won his last two starts and evened his record at 5-5-0.
Analysis: Khabibulin started the season strong, but is finally settling into his comfort zone. He has allowed three or more goals in five of his last six starts. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin broke a seven-game winless streak in Dallas and had 19 saves for Chicago during Wednesday's 5-4 win. Khabibulin came into the game with a two-game losing streak. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his last five games (2-3-0).
Analysis: Despite the win, Khabibulin still had a pretty rough night against the Stars. He started the season strong, but is finally settling into his comfort zone. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats right now. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin hasn't won in Boston since 1996 and that trend continued during Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Bruins. He made 15 saves and now carries a 0-5-2 record when he starts i n Boston.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now lost his last two starts while allowing nine goals and making just 34 saves. Khabibulin started the season strong, but seems to be already slipping. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats right now. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed six goals on 25 shots in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets in an awful performance.
Analysis: These are the kind of games Khabibulin and the Blackhawks need to win, especially at home. The 'Bulin Wall is only worth a look as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats right now. The 'Hawks will be back in action on Thursday at Boston.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 37 shots during Friday's 5-3 win over the Avalanche. Khabibulin shutout Colorado in the first period, but then allowed a goal in the second and two in the third. Colorado's Ryan Smyth scored on a tip-in on a power-play with 12:25 left in the third to tie it at 3. Tuomo Ruutu tipped in Magnus Johansson's shot from the point with 1:25 left in the third period to snap a tie and send Khabibulin to his third win.
Analysis: Khabibulin has not allowed more than three goals in any of his first six starts and has notched 30 or more saves in three of his last four contests. Khabibulin remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 26 shots in Wednesday's game against the Blues. Two of the goals came in the first 6:31 of the first period. "In this league, when you have a poor start, it's tough to come back every night," Blackhawks coach Denis Savard said. "There was effort and a lot of good things happened, but once you get down 2-nothing, it's tough to come back."
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats. The Blackhawks will be back in action on Friday against the Avalanche.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin fell behind early during Friday's game against the Red Wings by allowing two first period goals. However, he didn't allow a goal in the final two periods and the Blackhawks rallied for a 3-2 win. Khabibulin made 32 saves in his second win in four starts (2-2-0).
Analysis: Khabibulin has been pretty solid to open the 2007-08 campaign. He has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his four starts. He could easily be 3-1. If he keeps this up, he will be a must-start Fantasy option in no time. For now, treat him and the Blackhawks TG as No. 2 Fantasy options.
News: Although Nikolai Khabibulin turned in a strong, 30-save performance, the Sharks' ability to convert two of six power plays on Wednesday finally gave them the win. "We had our chances," San Jose coach Ron Wilson said. "I think (Wednesday) was the best game I've ever seen Khabibulin play against us."
Analysis: Khabibulin has been on the short end of a 1-0 loss and a 2-1 loss when he sparkled in both. Get used to these types of performances, as the Blackhawks have a young and inexperienced offense in front of him and they might struggle to score. It's a shame to see these types of efforts wasted. This is why Khabibulin should be considered nothing more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in cumulative formats.
News: G Nikolai Khabibulin made three stops in a shootout Saturday against the Red Wings and lifted the Blackhawks to a 4-3 win. Khabibulin stopped 23 shots during regulation and overtime. Khabibulin earned the win after coming off a tough 1-0 loss to the Wild Thursday.
Analysis: Khabibulin has looked pretty good through the first two games, but we need to see some consistency before recommending him outside of being a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same goes for the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin stopped all but one of the 24 shots he faced in Thursday's regular season opener at Minnesota, but the goal by Pierre-Marc Bouchard proved to be the difference. Niklas Backstrom stopped all 27 of his shots for the shutout in the 1-0 win for the Wild.
Analysis: Khabibulin will look for a little more offensive support in Saturday's home opener, but that will be tough against the Detroit Red Wings. This might be a peak into the future for Khabibulin and his owners. He remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that the Blackhawks coaching staff is planning on using veteran Nikolai Khabibulin in just 50 games this season. That will leave plenty of opportunity for Patrick Lalime, as well as perhaps prospect Corey Crawford.
Analysis: Khabibulin would be useful as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in cumulative leagues and a solid No. 2 in formats which average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Both goalies played the entire way in Wednesday's preseason game between the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks. Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 28 shots, while Pascal Leclaire made 25 saves for the Blue Jackets in the 4-3 victory.
Analysis: Khabibulin is viewed as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goaltender heading into the 2007-08 season. If you select him in the middle rounds on Draft Day, prepare to have at least one other option to plug into the lineup when things go south for the Blackhawks.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin started between the pipes Wednesday but won't go it alone the remaining six games. Savard plans to start G Patrick Lalime at least twice.
Analysis: Both goalies should be considered low-end Fantasy options at this time. Khabibulin should get more starts in the final week of the season, so he has a little more Fantasy value than Lalime.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 30 saves in a 2-1 loss to the Kings Friday. He has now lost his last three starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin has made just seven starts this month and is sharing time with Patrick Lalime. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed five goals on 30 shots in Tuesday's loss at Columbus, as the Blackhawks were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Analysis: Khabibulin's loss is his second straight following three consecutive wins. He has managed a 4.17 GAA over the past four starts, which is not doing Fantasy owners any favors.
News: Chicago goalie Nikolai Khabibulin struggled while playing in the second of back-to-back games. He gave up five goals on the Ducks' first 17 shots before being replaced by Patrick Lalime in the second period. Lalime stopped all nine shots he faced.
Analysis: Lalime likely earned himself a start after his solid relief performance Friday. Still, he remains just a low-end Fantasy option. The same goes for Khabibulin, but he could be used as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie in some formats.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 24 shots in a 4-3 shootout win over the Kings Thursday. He now has won his last three starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin is splitting time in net with Patrick Lalime, so he should only be used as a low-end No.2 goalie at this time. If he keeps playing well, he is surely to get the majority of starts.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Patrick Lalime will start Tuesday's game at San Jose and Nikolai Khabibulin will get the nod on Thursday at Los Angeles. Also, Lalime will return on Friday in Anaheim.
Analysis: The Blackhawks look like they might be giving Lalime some time to possibly showcase him for a deal in the offseason. Either way, sent your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 26 shots in his 99th game in a Chicago uniform in a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. He recorded his 36th NHL shutout. "It really was a long time since the last one," Khabibulin said. "I don't know why, but I had that feeling that tonight was the night.
Analysis: It was his first shutout as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats.
News: Chicago's Patrick Lalime stopped 14 of 18 shots before being pulled 9:13 into the second period Friday against the Red Wings. He was replaced by Nikolai Khabibulin, who allowed two goals on 19 shots. The Blackhawks lost 6-2.
Analysis: The Blackhawks have been trying to get Lalime in net more, but he still shouldn't be used outside of average scoring systems and a real low-end option in most other leagues. Khabibulin on the other hand remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie in most formats.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves in a 6-1 loss to the Avalanche Thursday. He now has lost three of his last four starts.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall has allowed four goals or more in four of his past six starts. He is only worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy goaltender right now.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on 28 shots in Tuesday's game against the Red Wings, as he picked up another loss.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall has allowed four goals or more in four of his past eight starts and he has just three wins during the span. He is only worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy goaltender right now.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed just one goal on 23 shots in Sunday's game against St. Louis, as he picked up another win.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won five of his past nine starts and remains a solid No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 31 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Red Wings Wednesday. Khabibulin has now lost 18 games this season and three of his last six starts.
Analysis: Khabibulin was back in net after seeing Patrick Lalime start the last two games. Khabibulin remains an average goal tender worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Nikolai Khabibulin will start Wednesday's game at Detroit and Sunday's game against St. Louis, while Patrick Lalime is set to face San Jose on Thursday.
Analysis: Set your daily lineups accordingly for the next three games. The Blackhawks also have Brian Boucher on the roster and one of three goaltenders will likely be dealt by the Feb. 27 NHL trade deadline.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin was out of the lineup for the second straight game in favor of Patrick Lalime on Sunday at N.Y. Rangers.
Analysis: The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 27 and there is speculation that either Lalime or the 'Bulin Wall will be traded. Perhaps the team is seeing if Lalime can handle the chores on a regular basis to make it easier to trade Khabibulin or they are showcasing Lalime. Either way, Khabibulin's Fantasy value is minimal while his playing time is sporadic.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on 28 shots in Sunday's game at Columbus, as he held on for the victory.
Analysis: Khabibulin has settled down a little bit over the past seven starts, allowing four or more goals in just two of his games during the stretch. He has four wins during the span and remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 32 shots in Friday's loss at Edmonton, although he played pretty well at times.
Analysis: Khabibulin and the Blackhawks will look to rebound on Sunday when they finish up a road trip at Columbus.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 26 shots in Tuesday's game at Calgary, as the Blackhawks prevailed in a shootout.
Analysis: Khabibulin was reportedly going to get the night off, but he started and picked up a win instead. Fantasy owners have to like that quite a bit.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 27 shots, but lost for the 11th time in 14 appearances Saturday. The Hawks lost 4-2 to the Sharks.
Analysis: The Blackhawks have scored the fewest goals in the Western Conference so far this season. Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues despite his recent rough patch.
News: On Thursday, at the Kings, Nikolai Khabibulin made 31 saves for the Blackhawks, who have won two in a row after losing 10 straight.
Analysis: The Blackhawks have scored the fewest goals in the Western Conference so far this season. Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues despite his recent rough patch.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 22 shots in Sunday's game against the Flames to pick up a win and nine-game winless stretch.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues despite his recent rough patch.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 28 saves for Chicago in a 3-1 loss to the Predators Friday.
Analysis: Khabibulin's brutal month continues. He won his first start of the month back on Jan. 2, but has yet to taste victory in nine straight starts. He is 0-7-2 during that stretch. Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues, but you might want to bench him until he starts winning again.
News: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin hasn't quite enjoyed success against Nashville, going 3-3-0 with a 3.94 goals-against average this season versus the Central Division rivals of the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Khabibulin and his Fantasy owners, the 'Hawks will be hosting the Predators on Friday night when play resumes after the All-Star break.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 29 of 34 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Predators on Saturday.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues despite going 0-6-2 over the past seven starts.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed five goals on just 18 shots in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets, suffering a loss in overtime.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues despite going 0-5-2 over the past seven starts.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 27 shots in Sunday's shootout loss against Minnesota.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender option in most leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves for the Blackhawks, who have lost four straight with a 6-3 defeat on Saturday at the hands of the Red Wings.
Analysis: After being on the winning end for a decent run in December, Khabibulin has now lost five straight starts in January. He can usually be counted on as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but it might be best to bench him while he struggles.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on just 17 shots in Sunday's game against the Coyotes to take a loss.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 goaltender in most leagues for Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 8-14) despite this loss.
News: Blackhawks starting goalie Nikolai Khabibulin lasted less than two minutes into the second period on Friday before being replaced by backup Brian Boucher. Khabibulin allowed four goals on 13 shots before being replaced. Boucher was not much better allowing four goals on 17 shots in a 8-3 loss to the Predators.
Analysis: After a great run in December, Khabibulin has now lost three of his last four starts. He remains a decent No. 2 goalie, but don't be surprised if someone else starts in net for the Blackhawks next time out. Boucher is a poor Fantasy option at this time.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 19 shots in Thursday's game at St. Louis, but it was not good enough to beat Manny Legace and the Blues.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy option in all leagues despite the loss on Thursday.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 38 saves and the Blackhawks erased a third-period deficit with a three-goal flurry in a 4-1 victory Tuesday night. Last month, they spoiled coach Andy Murray's debut in St. Louis with three third-period goals in a 3-2 victory. "Eerily similar," Murray said. "It's frustrating to lose like that."
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a nice No. 2 Fantasy play in most leagues, as the Blackhawks have a little more offensive support than in past years.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin made his 10th straight start on Friday, but was pulled for the first time this season after allowing three goals on seven shots in the first period. Brian Boucher replaced him to start the second, and permitted one goal on 13 shots. The Blackhawks lost 5-3 to the Bruins.
Analysis: Boucher might have earned himself a start next time out after a solid relief performance on Friday. Still, he is a poor Fantasy option. While Khabibulin remains a solid Fantasy goalie.
News: According to the Chicago Tribune, The Blackhawks will send G Patrick Lalime, out all season with a back injury, on a conditioning assignment sometime after New Year's Day. He will go down to Norfolk for a two-week conditioning stint. Once he is done, the Blackhawks intend to carry three goalies (Lalime, Nikolai Khabibulin and Brian Boucher).
Analysis: Lalime, signed for $700,000, injured his back right before the start of training camp and needed surgery. That opened the door for Boucher, who had a strong training camp and earned a one-way $475,000 contract. Khabibulin has been playing exceptionally strong as of late and will likely continue to get the bulk of starts when Lalime returns. Khabibulin still remains a solid Fantasy option, while Boucher and Lalime will only be useful as No. 3 Fantasy goalies when the new year rolls around.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin blocked 25 shots on Friday to earn a 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Khabibulin now has 13 wins on the season and has been one of the best goalies in the league as of late. He now has seven wins in December and has only given up three or more goals three times this month. Continue to start him in most Fantasy leagues while he has got the hot hand.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 17 shots in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Predators. He lost his bid for his first shutout with the Blackhawks and first in the regular season since March 1, 2004, when Paul Kariya scored at 6:41 of the third period. The victory was gone moments later on Kariya's second goal of the game.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been surprisingly strong in the month of December with six wins. Continue to start him in most Fantasy leagues while he has got the hot hand.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed one goal on 29 shots in Sunday's loss against the Avalanche to pick up another win.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won four of his past five starts and has re-emerged as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 18 shots in Sunday's game against the Oilers, including several close-in chances. He credited Martin Havlat with energizing the Blackhawks' offense, even if Chicago's power play is just 1-for-49 through its last 11 games. "I think the whole team with him coming back feels more confident, feels we can score goals," Khabibulin said. "Obviously he's a big part of it."
Analysis: Khabibulin was a late scratch in Saturday's game due to the flu, but he bounced back nicely on Sunday for the win. He remains a nice No. 2 Fantasy goaltender heading into Week 11 (Dec. 11-17).
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 37 shots in Tuesday's game at Minnesota and was just edged out by Manny Fernandez in a shootout.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Khabibulin remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in all leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 25 saves to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win over the Predators on Saturday.
Analysis: Khabibulin is 3-3 since returning from a broken finger and now has won three straight. You might as well use him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie as long as he is putting together some wins.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 29 saves to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Friday night.
Analysis: Khabibulin has now put together two solid outings, both wins. If he wins in his next start, it might be time to insert him into your starting Fantasy lineup. Use him while he is on a winning streak.
News: Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin outdueled Stars goalie Marty Turco on Wednesday for a 2-1 victory. He stopped 20 shots in the win.
Analysis: Despite the win, Khabibulin is still not a strong Fantasy option and should be considered no better than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: Entering the night with a 15-2-2 career record against Calgary, Nikolai Khabibulin got the start for Chicago and dominated the Flames early on. But he gave up three goals overall on 39 shots and the Hawks lose on the road.
Analysis: Khabibulin finished with 36 saves in his third game since returning from a broken finger. It appears Khabibulin is back to full strength and you can insert him into your Fantasy lineup at will. He is at best a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin made 42 saves on Friday against the Ducks in his first start since Oct. 21. The four-time All-Star missed the previous nine games because of a broken index finger on the hand he wears his blocking pad. "Nick won the game for us, and that's what he's there for," coach Trent Yawney said. "He's played very well after a three-week hiatus and faced a lot of shots. That bodes well for him. He had a rusty start, but settled down." The Blackhawks won 4-3 in a shootout.
Analysis: It appears Khabibulin is back to full strength and you can insert him into your Fantasy lineup at will. He is at best a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin (finger) was activated from injured reserve on Thursday and he served as the backup to Brian Boucher at Phoenix.
Analysis: Coach Trent Yawney rewarded Boucher with another start after a shutout in his last game. The 'Bulin Wall will likely get the nod in Saturday's afternoon start at Los Angeles. If he is able to prove his health, he should be a safe play for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 20-26).
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Nikolai Khabibulin (finger) will come off of injured reserve, but head coach Trent Yawney said Brian Boucher deserve the start Thursday at Phoenix after his shutout on Sunday.
Analysis: Keep Khabibulin reserved until he can make a start and shake off the rust of a long layoff. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin (broken finger) is expected to return for Thursday's game at Phoenix, as the team has assigned Sebastien Caron to Norfolk of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall has been sidelined since Oct. 22 due to the injury. Keep Khabibulin reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health before re-inserting him into your active lineup.
News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Blackhawks G Nikolai Khabibulin might be ready to make his return on Thursday against Phoenix.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been out since late October with a broken finger. It was thought he could make his return on Sunday, but it appears he will likely make his return against the Coyotes on Thursday. Keep Khabibulin reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games.
News: According to chicagoblackhawks.com, goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who has missed six games in a row with a broken finger, might not return until Sunday's game against Columbus.
Analysis: If so, Yawney will have to decide between Boucher and backup Sebastien Caron in goal against St. Louis Friday. Despite a respectable 3.38 goals-against average, Boucher is 0-7-1 and still seeking his first win since playing with Calgary in February. Caron has yet to appear in a game since being recalled Oct. 22 from Norfolk of the AHL. Obviously, Boucher is the better play in Fantasy leagues, despite being winless, if he's getting starts over Caron.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin, who has been nursing a broken finger, was hoping to return at New Jersey on Thursday, but Brian Boucher is expected to get his sixth consecutive start.
Analysis: Keep Khabibulin reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games.
News: According to Tuesday's telecast of the Blackhawks-Islanders game, Nikolai Khabibulin (broken finger) is targeting a return on Nov. 9 at New Jersey.
Analysis: Keep Khabibulin reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in at least one game.
News: G Nikolai Khabibulin has a broken finger and is expected to be out about two weeks. "His finger right now has a heartbeat of its own, and the vibration that is caused with the stick, just on pucks, is like hitting a nerve in your tooth," said Hawks' coach Trent Yawney, discussing the broken finger suffered by Khabibulin.
Analysis: Reserve the 'Bulin Wall in all Fantasy leagues until he is healthy enough to return. If your league has injured spots, place Khabibulin there and scoop up Brian Boucher as a No. 2 goalie. The Blackhawks TG takes a bit of a hit in terms of Fantasy value, although Boucher can be capable when he is on his game. Althouh, Boucher is now 0-3 as Nikolai Khabibulin's backup.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin suffered a broken right finger during warmups on Saturday and is expected to miss at least two weeks due to the injury. Brian Boucher will take over as the full-time starter in Chicago while he is on the mend.
Analysis: Reserve the 'Bulin Wall in all Fantasy leagues until he is healthy enough to return. If your league has injured spots, place Khabibulin there and scoop up Boucher immediately. The Blackhawks TG takes a bit of a hit in terms of Fantasy value, although Boucher can be capable when he is on his game.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals to get by him and the Blackhawks lost 4-3 to the Blues on Saturday. The Bulin Wall stopped 25 shots in the loss.
Analysis: Don't get overly excited about the Blackhawks (4-4-0), particularly Khabibulin's start, just yet. The 'Bulin Wall remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats, as does the Blackhawks TG but expect some bumps along the way this season.
News: The Blackhawks, who have struggled for so long, finally are showing signs of improvement. That was evident for the second straight game when they made Nikolai Khabibulin's goaltending stand up for a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens at the United Center. Now they'll go for their third straight win Friday night against the Stars in Dallas. Khabibulin, of course, hasn't been the whole show in the Hawks' 4-2 start, their best beginning to a season since 1990-91. But he's been much more poised in goal than he was in the last, dismal 26-win season. Khabibulin's been in the net for all the Hawks' wins.
Analysis: Don't get overly excited about the Blackhawks, particularly Khabibulin's start, just yet. The 'Bulin Wall remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats, as does the Blackhawks TG but expect some bumps along the way this season.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin had 28 stops for the Blackhawks on Wednesday in a 2-1 win over the Canadiens.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats, as does the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 22 shots in Monday's game at Colorado to pick up the win.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats, as does the Blackhawks TG.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin, who made 37 saves, lost a bid for his first shutout as a Blackhawk when Jason Arnott tied it 1-all at 5:31 of the third period of Thursday's game against Nashville. "I thought for the most past we played pretty good (Thursday)," Khabibulin said. "We've just got to keep building on that."
Analysis: Despite the win, the 'Bulin Wall remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy start, as does the Blackhawks TG in all leagues.
News: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin had 19 saves in Saturday's loss, but coach Trent Yawney gave him a free pass and criticized the rest of the team following the loss. "He's going to see guys in his crease in his sleep," Yawney said. "It's very difficult to play disciplined hockey without self-disciplined people. Try it. It doesn't work."
Analysis: The Blackhawks will need better defensive play to try to slow down Thursday's opponent Nashville, who had five different goal scorers in last week's matchup. The 'Bulin Wall remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy start, as does the Blackhawks TG in all leagues.
News: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has allowed 11 goals in two games, but coach Trent Yawney doesn't blame him. "I have no qualms with his play," Yawney said.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy start, as does the Blackhawks TG in all leagues.
News: Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin had 19 saves Saturday night but the Blackhawks lost 5-4 to the Blue Jackets. Khabibulin has allowed 11 goals in his first two starts of the season.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy start, as does the Blackhawks TG in all leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed six goals on 40 shots in a 8-6 win in Nashville in Thursday's regular season opener.
Analysis: Eight goals of support from the Blackhawks was very nice and unexpected. Don't think that it will last. The 'Bulin Wall remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy start, as does the Blackhawks TG in all leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 29 shots in Wednesday's game against the Predators to pick up the win.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall has lost just one of his past six starts (3-1-2), allowing three or fewer goals in four of the appearances.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 44 saves while allowing just two goals in Wednesday's game against the Blues to pick up a win.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall has not been all that impressive since returning from a knee injury, but he can still be an effective No. 3 goaltender down the stretch in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin will be rested for Thursday's game against the Coyotes in place of Craig Anderson, according to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald.
Analysis: Khabibulin will be back between the pipes for Friday's game at Dallas. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on 26 shots in Sunday's game against Phoenix to take another loss.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall played fairly well, but Curtis Joseph and the Coyotes were just a little bit better. Khabibulin remains useful as a No. 3 goaltender in most formats.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 28 of 30 shots, but was stuck with the 2-1 loss Friday vs. Anaheim.
Analysis: He might re-emerge as a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender down the stretch, if you are in need of a goalie and are willing to take the gamble.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed two goals on 35 shots in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets, as he finally picked up the win.
Analysis: Khabibulin got his first win in four starts since returning from his knee injury. He might re-emerge as a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender down the stretch, but keep him reserved until he produces these kind of results on a more regular basis.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed three goals on five shots midway through the first period in Sunday's game against the Red Wings and was pulled for the second straight start in favor of Craig Anderson.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been terrible since returning from a knee injury. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he starts performing more consistently.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin (knee) allowed five goals on 20 shots in Saturday's game against the Red Wings, as he was pulled midway through the second period in favor of Craig Anderson.
Analysis: It was expected that Khabibulin would be a little rusty and facing a team the caliber of Detroit is not exactly the perfect scenario anyway. Give him another game or two to get back into a rhythm before getting him in your active Fantasy lineup.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin (knee) has started skating again and is hopeful of practicing with the team within a week.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been sidelined since Jan. 20 when he sprained his left knee in a game against the Wild in St. Paul. He is sidelined until at least mid-March, so keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Nikolai Khabibulin (knee) was able to skate on Thursday for the first time since Jan. 20, but it is still uncertain if he will be ready to go on March 1 against the Predators when play resumes after the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Khabibulin was able to wear full gear and he skated with goaltender coach Stephane Waite in one direction before the club worked out. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially play and prove his health.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Nikolai Khabibulin (knee sprain) might be out longer than the four to six weeks the team originally reported.
Analysis: Khabibulin does expect to play before the season is over, however. But that's still not great news for the owners that likely spent a high draft pick on him this fall. Adam Munro and Corey Crawford will continue to start in goal if and when Khabibulin returns.
News: According to the Chicago Tribune, Nikolai Khabibulin will be out at least four weeks after injuring the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in Friday's 4-1 loss at Minnesota. He will also be forced to miss the Winter Olympics where he was to represent his native Russia.
Analysis: The Bulin Wall has been a frustration to Fantasy owners all season long and this tops it all. He won't be able to make any Fantasy impact until at least late February.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin has an 8-7-1 record with a 2.75 GAA at home, but is 4-11-2 with a 3.84 GAA on the road. He lost 4-1 on Friday night at Minnesota.
Analysis: Luckily, his next three games will be at home. In leagues that allow daily transactions, it may be wise to bench him on days when he plays on the road and in weekly leagues consider benching him for weeks where he plays mostly on the road.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Nikolai Khabibulin took shots during Tuesday morning's skate around and he is close to returning from a groin injury that he suffered near the end of December. When he returns, the Blackhawks will have to move either Adam Munro or Craig Anderson.
Analysis: Khabibulin is suffering through one of his toughest seasons thus far. His 3.34 GAA is his worst since his rookie season in 1994 when he played with Winnipeg. Don't rush to get him back in your lineup, possibly giving him through the weekend.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) was able to participate in a full practice on Saturday and he is targeting a return to the lineup on Thursday against Colorado.
Analysis: Adam Munro has done a good job in his place over the past three starts, going 2-0-1. He might stick around and Craig Anderson might head back to Norfolk of the AHL when the Bulin Wall is ready to return.
News: Coach Trent Yawney said after Sunday's game that Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) might be able to return to the lineup as soon as Thursday against Colorado.
Analysis: Khabibulin should be kept reserved until he can officially return and prove his health. In the meantime, Adam Munro has been sharp (2-0-1) in his past three starts and he will likely be called on Tuesday against the Islanders.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) is out a few more weeks, as he will require at least one week to get back into game shape once he is able to skate.
Analysis: Coach Trent Yawney said Khabibulin was able to skate on Sunday, but he did not face any shots or make any goalie-specific lateral movements. He is out until at least late January, so keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues. Craig Anderson and Adam Munro will continue to split the goaltender duties in his absence.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin (groin) might be able to play in Sunday's game against the Predators after missing the past two games at Calgary and Edmonton.
Analysis: Keep the 'Bulin Wall reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin will not travel with the team to Calgary on Monday and Edmonton on Tuesday due to his groin injury. "He's doubtful for at least a week with no practice," coach Trent Yawney told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Analysis: Keep Khabibulin reserved in all Fantasy leagues until his status becomes a bit more clear. Craig Anderson will start in net for the Blackhawks with Adam Munro as the backup.
News: The Chicago Sun-Time reports Nikolai Khabibulin's groin injury might be more serious than initially feared, although the team is being very tight-lipped to this point. The only statement about his injury is that he is "highly doubtful to play (Friday)."
Analysis: Khabibulin is likely out for a few games, making Craig Anderson the starter by default. Adam Munro has been recalled from Norfolk to serve as the backup. Reserve the veteran immediately in all leagues.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Nikolai Khabibulin suffered a groin injury in Wednesday's game against the Blues in the second period and did not return.
Analysis: The 'Bulin Wall is considered questionable for Friday's game against the Blue Jackets. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin, who was in search of his first shutout with the Blackhawks, made 34 saves against Detroit Friday, but he lost in overtime.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been snakebitten this season, one of the worst years statistically of his career. He has lost four of his past five games, but he starts regularly, making him a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie despite his disappointing year.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals on just 12 shots in Wednesday's game against the Predators and he was pulled in the middle of the second period. Craig Anderson replaced him between the pipes.
Analysis: Khabibulin will try to bounce back on Friday against the Red Wings, but that is never a good team to try and get back on track against.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed just one goal on 31 shots in Wednesday's game against the Rangers to win for just the second time since Nov. 18.
Analysis: Khabibulin has been a lot better since Nov. 6, picking up six wins in 11 starts after beginning the year with just three wins in his first 12 games.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin allowed four goals, including the game-winner in overtime to Olli Jokinen, in Saturday's game at Florida.
Analysis: Coach Trent Yawney kept the 'Bulin Wall out of the lineup for Friday's much-anticipated return to the St. Pete Times Forum against the Lightning.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin was on hand to receive his Stanley Cup ring Friday night in Tampa, however he was not in the starting lineup. Chicago Head Coach Trent Yawney said his decision not to start Khabibulin was based partly on not wanting him to play in back-to-back games. The Hawks play the Florida Panthers Saturday night, and partly on just wanting Bulin to enjoy the evening.
Analysis: Khabibulin is off to a rocky start in front of his teammates, posting an 8-13 record and an 3.26 GAA. You might want consider other alternatives until the Hakws and Khabibulin turn things around.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin will make his first appearance in Tampa Bay on Friday night since hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004 as a member of the Lightning.
Analysis: Khabibulin has struggled mightily with his new club, but he is sure to bring his 'A' game when he squares off against his former mates.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin signed a four-year deal with Chicago Friday. The 32-year-old Khabibulin is 209-187-58 in 476 regular-season games with 35 shutouts and a 2.61 goals-against average for Winnipeg-Phoenix and Tampa Bay during his nine NHL seasons. He is 31-25 with six shutouts in the playoffs.
Analysis: The Blackhawks are making moves left and right this offseason. Khabibulin's numbers will no doubt climb from his Stanley Cup season two years ago since rules changes will work against goaltenders. But he should remain one of the best Fantasy goalies around, making him a solid early-round pick in your drafts.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Nikolai Khabibulin might remain starting until he cools off. Head coach John Tortorella says he will stick with whichever goalie is hot.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won his past five starts allowing an average of two goals per game.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin stopped all 16 shots in Tampa Bay's 3-0 win over Colorado in Denver on Monday night.
Analysis: Khabibulin is 9-2-1 over his past 12 starts and has allowed three or less goals in 10 of those games.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Nikolai Khabibulin will likely start against Toronto Thursday.
Analysis: Khabibulin is 3-1 in his past four starts allowing an average of just less than three goals per game.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports that Tampa Bay will likely pick up the option on Nikolai Khabibulin's contract next season and keep him. "I'm not trading Nik. I don’t want to trade Nik," said general manager Jay Feaster.
Analysis: Khabibulin will continue to share time in net with John Grahame.
News: According to broadcast reports, Nikolai Khabibulin will start against Carolina Thursday. It will be his first start in five games.
Analysis: John Grahame has emerged as a decent goalie and will likely continue to share starts with Khabibulin.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that the recent stellar play of John Grahame in goal for the Lightning has rumors flying that Nikolai Khabibulin will be traded. Grahame will fourth-straight start Tuesday at Pittsburgh. The team is denying that Khabibulin is being shopped. "I have no intention of trading either of our goaltenders," said general manager Jay Feaster.
Analysis: Khabibulin owners should do their best to acquire Grahame for insurance if he is available on the free agent list.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin was named NHL defensive player of the month for October. He was 5-0-1 with a 1.63 goals-against average and .940 save percentage.
Analysis: Khabibulin has the talent to be one of the NHL's best goalies, but he's also somewhat streaky. He's a must-start as long as he keeps up his current level of production.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 35 saves in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Khabibulin has won all four of Tampa Bay's games this season. He is a must-start in all leagues.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 29 saves and allowed only two goals at New Jersey on Saturday.
Analysis: Khabibulin remains a must-start goalie that hasn't lost yet this season.
News: Nikolai Khabibulin made 29 saves in Friday's opening night win against the Bruins.
Analysis: Khabibulin will again be an above-average Fantasy starter in most leagues.
News: Khabibulin is expected to remain with the Tampa Bay Lightning. General manager Jay Feaster denied a published report which said he was trying to trade the 'Bulin Wall'. "I have no intention of trading Nik," Feaster told the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin made 60 saves on Sunday in a 2-1 triple-overtime win. The Game 6 victory over Washington helped Tampa Bay clinch its first-ever playoffs series win.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin missed Monday's game against Minnesota with a stomach flu. He is day to day, and should be reserved if he misses any more games.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin was named NHL Player of the Week on Monday. He allowed just two goals and won three straight games. Khabibulin, who had been struggling recently, is finally heating up. He's worth activating in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin continues to lose playing time to John Grahame. He did not take part in the morning skate on Thursday because of a sinus problem. He served as Grahame's backup against Carolina. Khabibulin should not be used as a Fantasy starter right now.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin is losing playing time to John Grahame. "I know Nik is the biggest piece to the puzzle for us here and I'm not down on him because I know how good Nik can be. We need Nik to be as good as he can be right now," Lightning coach John Tortorella told the Tampa Tribune. As long as Grahame continues to get the majority of the starts, Khabibulin isn't worth starting in a Fantasy league.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin was named the NHL's Player of the Week on Monday. He posted three victories, a 1.63 GAA and 95.0 save percentage in his three appearances. Khabibulin has proven to be one of the NHL's most talented goaltenders the past year-plus, and with Tampa Bay suddenly a very productive team, he has become one of the top Fantasy options available. He's a must-start every week.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin did not speak to the media after Monday's game because he was getting intravenous fluids for tightness in his legs. Trainer Dave Boyer said it was done as a precaution to make Khabibulin more comfortable during the team's flight home.
Analysis:
News: The Lightning expect to get Khabibulin into a game anytime now, as he's had about 12 days to get into playing shape. Coach John Tortorella won't mind if Khabibulin doesn't play this season, but the goalie's desire to see a few games suggests he might play sometime in the next week. Don't gamble your Fantasy team's chances on whether you'll get a couple of starts from a goaltender who hasn't played in nearly two full seasons.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin, who signed a contract Sunday for the remainder of this season plus three more, says that it will take him about 10 days to get into game shape. Lightning Coach John Tortorella says the team wil evaluate his progress on a day to day basis to determine when Khabibulin will play accordingly. It is expected that he will play two or three of Tampa Bay's final 10 games. This is a risk you shouldn't be taking for your Fantasy team - don't bother with Khabibulin this season.
Analysis:
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Khabibulin to a multi-year deal on Sunday. The 28 year-old will begin practicing with the team immediately and hopes to be ready to play in about 10 days. If those projections hold true, the Lightning would have seven games remaining in their season, meaning that Khabibulin could see some playing time.
Analysis:
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Khabibulin and defenseman Stan Neckar from the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday in exchange for right wing Mike Johnson, defenseman Paul Mara, defenseman Ruslan Zainullin and a second-round draft pick. This trade by no means ensures that Khabibulin is under contract, so it remains possible that he might not even play in an NHL game this season. Don't bother picking him up this late in the game.
Analysis:
News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Thrashers have entered the Khabibulin sweepstakes, and are interested in acquiring him before the Mar. 13 deadline. The Rangers are clearly the favories as of now, with Chicago and Tampa Bay also reportedly in the running. Regardless of where he ends up, Khabibulin is very unlikely to help your Fantasy team this season, but he might be worth picking up in a keeper league.
Analysis:
News: Phoenix's signing of goaltender Sean Burke to a long-term contract that includes a no-trade clause effectively ends hope that Khabibulin will sign and play with the Coyotes this season. That makes him a prime candidate to be traded before the March 13 deadline, with Chicago and the New York Rangers among the most active trade partners. Don't expect any useful Fantasy numbers from Khabibulin even if he plays this season - he's been out far too long to get back to full speed anytime soon.
Analysis:
News: The New York Post is reporting that Chicago GM Mike Smith has told people that he believes new Phoenix Coyotes owner Wayne Gretzky and New York Rangers GM Glen Sather have tentatively agreed on a deal for Khabibulin. The trade could bring Khabibulin, Keith Tkachuk and Keith Carney to New York, with prospect Manny Malhotra headed back to Phoenix. If this does happen, expect a big improvement by your Ranger players, but a slight dropoff for Coyotes forwards like Jeremy Roenick.
Analysis:
News: Coyotes' General Manager informed Khabibulin he will no longer be allowed unlimited access to the team's training facility, along with free agent Claude Lemieux. This is just another development that makes it unlikely the goaltender will be able to get in shape in time to assume the starting job in Phoenix this season.
Analysis:
News: Khabibulin insists he will not play for the Phoenix Coyotes again. "I'm very upset about what has happened, and I will sit out as long as it takes to be in the right situation," he said.
Analysis:
News: Coyotes general manager Bobby Smith isn't flinching from his stance the unsigned Khabibulin. "We made it very clear that offer of ours had a shelf life," Smith told the Arizona Republic. "Just because Mikhail Shtalenkov has lost a couple of games in a row, it isn't going to change our decision."
Analysis:
