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Khabibulin getting closer

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 28, 2001

TAMPA -- Nikolai Khabibulin's first game for the Lightning may be right around the corner.

When the goaltender signed March 17, he said he needed 10 to 14 days to get into game shape. Tuesday was Khabibulin's 10th workout. He said he is "day to day."

"It's not good enough yet, but it's better," he said before Tuesday night's game against the Devils at the Ice Palace. "It's hard to predict, but I'd like to get there as soon a possible."

Coach John Tortorella said he wouldn't mind if Khabibulin, who hasn't played in the NHL in almost two years because of a contract dispute with the Coyotes, doesn't play the rest of the season.

But Khabibulin said, "I'm still looking to play this season. Hopefully I'll get in there."

Goaltenders coach Jeff Reese pointed out that because of the Lightning's schedule, Khabibulin has had only two full practices. The rest have been morning skates and off-day workouts with a few teammates. But he said Khabibulin's Tuesday workout was "his best."

"He's coming along nicely," Reese said. "We'll take it day by day. If he feels he can go, we'll just wait and see."

WADE'S WORLD: Wade Flaherty, acquired Feb. 16 as Weekes' backup, said he realizes he may not play again this season.

Flaherty has started one game, a 6-0 loss to the Devils on March 4. He knew Weekes would get most of the work. But with the addition of Khabibulin, Flaherty's future is uncertain.

"I have no idea, really," said Flaherty, an unrestricted free agent. "You've just got to go out there and practice hard and prepare yourself like any other game. Time will tell."

"He's a consummate pro," general manager Rick Dudley said. "We really like the way he's handled himself." DEVILS DUE: Tortorella said the Devils are his favorite to win the Cup. "I looked at them on tape, and they know how to win," he said. "I don't like to make predictions, but that's a pretty tough team to beat right now."

SVOBODA UPDATE: Dudley said defenseman Petr Svoboda is improving but still feels the effects of a concussion sustained Dec. 14. Dudley said if the 35-year-old is cleared to play, he is "absolutely" in Tampa Bay's plans for next season.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Lightning called up Mikko Kuparinen from the IHL's Detroit Vipers. ... Kuparinen and forward Alexander Kharitonov were healthy scratches. Forward Brian Holzinger (foot) and defenseman Andrei Zyuzin (concussion) were scratched.

Up next:

Lightning vs. Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sunshine.

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