Fans tend to blame goalies for some of the losses, when in fact it is usually a team effort. The Blackhawks have two great goalies, but here is the question: Who is a better goalie, Khabibulin or Huet?
I think Nikolai Khabibulin is the better keeper simply because of the statistics between the two: In 26 games played, the Hawks have gone 15-4, he has posted a .925 SV%, and has 59 TGA in 785 attempts by his opponents.
Conversely, in 24 games played, Huet has led the Hawks to a record of 12-9, has a .916 SV%, and 55 TGA in 654 attempts.
Although both players keep a great goal, Khabibulin is the better choice down the stretch for the Hawks. They need him to perform well deep into the playoffs to compete with the Red Wings. However, it is a nice problem to have for the Hawks, because in case of a sudden injury, they have a backup that has the potential to start on many teams throughout league.
I don't trust Khabibulin anymore. I think he's good enough to be competent and not good enough to take you to the next level. They're going to have to draft a stud or trade one of their up-and-coming superstars for a stud goalie if the Blackhawks are going to take it to the next level.
I think they are both playing at a high level right now, and the Blackhawks have a very unique thing going with two goalies that they can count on every night. I like that Quennville is rotating them on a regular basis. It is keeping both of them focused and it is nice to have a fresh pair of legs in the goal. I honestly don't know which one I would say is better. Khabi's stats may be better, but they are both great athletes and I don't think there is a goalie that I trust more than the other. It's not at all like a quarterback controversy where everyone likes one guy and seems to hate the other. I think any Hawk fan is confident in both.
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I think Nikolai Khabibulin is the better keeper simply because of the statistics between the two: In 26 games played, the Hawks have gone 15-4, he has posted a .925 SV%, and has 59 TGA in 785 attempts by his opponents.
ReplyDeleteConversely, in 24 games played, Huet has led the Hawks to a record of 12-9, has a .916 SV%, and 55 TGA in 654 attempts.
Although both players keep a great goal, Khabibulin is the better choice down the stretch for the Hawks. They need him to perform well deep into the playoffs to compete with the Red Wings. However, it is a nice problem to have for the Hawks, because in case of a sudden injury, they have a backup that has the potential to start on many teams throughout league.
I don't trust Khabibulin anymore. I think he's good enough to be competent and not good enough to take you to the next level. They're going to have to draft a stud or trade one of their up-and-coming superstars for a stud goalie if the Blackhawks are going to take it to the next level.
ReplyDeleteI think they are both playing at a high level right now, and the Blackhawks have a very unique thing going with two goalies that they can count on every night. I like that Quennville is rotating them on a regular basis. It is keeping both of them focused and it is nice to have a fresh pair of legs in the goal. I honestly don't know which one I would say is better. Khabi's stats may be better, but they are both great athletes and I don't think there is a goalie that I trust more than the other. It's not at all like a quarterback controversy where everyone likes one guy and seems to hate the other. I think any Hawk fan is confident in both.
ReplyDelete