If Nikolai Khabibulin wanted to start a goal-tending controversy, he got what he was aiming for.
Despite dropping their second game of the year in just as convincing fashion as the first, Chicago looked much more formidable with Khabibulin in the net than with Cristobal Huet. Khabibulin hadn't played a game since last April but looked incredibly sharp against a Washington attack that was relentless.
Bright spot at goaltender aside, the Hawks were having serious issues that were supposed to have been improved this season.
For the first period the containment of Ovechkin was good. However, it soon broke down and the Russian phenom was allowed to run wild against a Hawks back-end that looked totally unable to defend against passing and shots.
The passing was suspect too, as several golden opportunities were wasted by players who couldn't handle passes from their teammates.
The game was ultimately lost in the second period, when Chicago was on the defense almost constantly and had almost no shots on goal. They also turned the puck over on the blue lines several times which constantly gave the edge back to Washington.
Penalty situations doomed the Blackhawks, who were unable to capitalize on several Washington penalties and were just as poor on the defensive end of power-plays, allowing Washington to run wild on the ice when they had the man advantage.
Jack Skillig had another good use of ice time including an impressive goal in which he caught his own shot's rebound.
Chicago will look to right the ship against Nashville on Monday night when they open the United Center.
Ray Bogusz can be reached via his comment box or via email: raybogusz@yahoo.com
He is looking forward to writing about the Blackhawks and the rest of the NHL this season.
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