from Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily-Herald,

While it's still too early to consider the signing of 40-year-old goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to be a $2 million mistake by general manager Stan Bowman, there is cause for concern in the Blackhawks' camp after a second straight poor outing by the veteran.

Khabibulin was pulled midway through Tuesday's 6-5 win over Ottawa after allowing 4 goals on 22 shots. That was after he gave up 6 goals in a 6-5 loss in overtime at Tampa Bay last week.

Khabibulin's numbers are not so hot after three games: 4.74 goals-against average and .818 save percentage. He has surrendered 12 goals on 66 shots.

While fans are clamoring for Antti Raanta to be recalled from Rockford, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville likely will give Khabibulin a chance to redeem himself.

"We'll see, we've got a few days off here," Quenneville said after the game on Tuesday. "Let's get back from the day off and visit with it."

continued plus more on the team...