nhldave

I know it's early but 9 goals for and 8 against in their first two games suggest the Blackhawks have some real scoring potential on their team. You have to beleive that Khabibulin is better than what he has shown so far this season and preseason. That being the case I think there is a case to be made that says Chicago will finally return to post season play.

The article below wonders if Khabibulin can make the adjustment to the new NHL while carrying the team defensively. It won't be easy for him but I think he can do it.

Khabibulin still trying to adjust





October 7, 2005

Nikolai Khabibulin expected his job to be more difficult this season. The NHL's new rules suggested that. Khabibulin found out quickly just how right he was. The Blackhawks' new goaltender, who helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2004, allowed 12 goals in compiling a 1-3



preseason record, then gave up five more Wednesday in the regular-season opener, a 5-3 loss to Anaheim.

Two of those goals came with the Mighty Ducks playing short-handed. It was the Hawks' highest-scoring home opener since an 8-3 loss to St. Louis in 1989.

"The big thing with Nik is that he tried way too hard,'' coach Trent Yawney said after practice Thursday. "He really wanted to please people, but that never works in your favor.'' Though he made some fine saves along the way, Khabibulin hasn't lived up to his billing yet. He'll try again tonight when the San Jose Sharks visit the United Center.



http://www.suntimes.com/output/hawks...pt-hawk07.html

JL

I am a bit surprised with the Hawks' start of the season. But my experience tells me that Stanley Cups aren't won in October and just like I'm doing with my beloved Habs, staying with both feet on the ground is most likely the best thing to do at this point.

They did improve and it's always better to be up to a good start, since those could be very important points when they're needed in a playoffs race. :0pouce:

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KB in Kelowna

The Hawks made two signifigant moves in getting Khabibulin and Aucoin, but they have been a dysfunctional orgainization for years now and it could take time for this team to gel. I will take a wait and see approach. Will Pulford and Wirtz do the same?

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