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Why Is Khabibulin Out Of The Lineup For Tonight??? |
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As reported by the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kuc, Khabibulin will not start tonight’s game against Dallas. Savard had said this week that Khabibulin and Havlat would be in the lineup for tonight’s game. Havlat is getting final clearance from his doctor in Cleveland tomorrow and if all goes well will be in action Tuesday night. Khabibulin’s absence is much more interesting especially because there was no mention of injury.
Free Agent Anti Niemi will be between the pipes at the UC in his first start as Hawk. I thought Niemi would get a couple of starts in the next 5 games as the Hawks need to take a good look at him. Now is the time to find out just what they have in the young Finn.
I believe they already know what they have at least it appears that way. Niemei is signed to a one year 1.5 million dollar contract, which is a very hefty Cap hit for someone slated to play a full season in Rockford.
There will be another cut down happening in the next couple of days and besides Versteeg and Brouwer at forward it is a coin toss as to who has had the best auditions. Crunch time is coming for Aliu, Beach, Skille, Makarov and others.
As I have discussed on more than a few occasions, unless Cap space opens up GM Dale Tallon doesn’t have many choices. As it stands now the combo of Makarov with Beach or Aliu wouldn’t fly with the Hawks current Cap status. Skille with Makarov would also be a no go…and I could go on.
Maybe Khabibulin not being in the lineup tonight doesn't mean anything in regards to an upcoming trade. Then again….
Tonight Versteeg is awarded with a first line slot. Sharp appears to be back at center between Kane and Makarov. That is another change in direction and it won’t be the last to come before the Opener.
FORWARDS: Ladd--Toews--Versteeg; Makarov--Sharp--Kane; Pelletier--Bolland--Skille; Beach--Brent--Blunden.
DEFENSEMEN: Keith--Campbell; Barker--Seabrook; Janik--Carney.
GOALIES: Niemi (starter)--Crawford.