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BACK TO BACK SHUTOUTS FOR KHABIBULIN!
Nikolai Khabibulin strikes again! Facing the division rival Red Wings on Tuesday night, the Blackhawks goalie slammed the door shut on all 33 shots he faced to earn a shutout victory in two consecutive starts. This performance was one of the most impressive by a goaltender this season, with the Chicago starter stealing two points for his team in a game where they were outplayed by their opponent. Additionally, it was Khabby's 5th shutout of the campaign, which ties the team record held by legendary goalie Michel Dion.
"I sometimes just watch what he's doing and it doesn't make sense. The cameras on TV have caught me looking dumbfounded a couple times this year," joked Blackhawks head coach Eddy Godin. "He has really stepped up his game, especially when you consider he's only 23 years old. To be named an All-Star already and have five shutouts is just insane."
Khabibulin's heroics have allowed other Blackhawks players to shine this season. Not needing to worry as much about their defensive assignments has given Bryan Smolinski and Paul Kariya the opportunity to hunt for goals. Playing alongside Bill Guerin on Tuesday, the trio combined for 7 points, with Kariya (2G, 1A) leading the way. Smolinski and Ken Klee scored the order Chicago goals, while Guerin and Martin Gelinas each registered 2 helpers. The Blackhawks goalie withstood an early barrage of 14 shots to keep the game scoreless into the first intermission. His teammates were able to beat Red Wings goalie Potvin twice in the 2nd and twice in the 3rd on a total of 28 shots. It is the second time Chicago has beaten Detroit this season, along with a tie in their first matchup, they have a 2-0-1 record with 1 game left to play. The Hawks will look to stay hot in Edmonton on Wednesday night.
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