BY LEN ZIEHM Staff Reporter

Nikolai Khabibulin hasn't shown much staying power since returning to the Blackhawks' lineup, but the veteran goaltender doesn't want to blame a lack of activity.

Khabibulin, who returned last week after missing 13 games with a sprained left knee, was pulled in the second period Saturday and yanked after just seven minutes Sunday in back-to-back losses to the Detroit Red Wings. He allowed five goals on 20 shots in the first game and three goals on five shots in the second.

Describing his play as "pretty bad,'' Khabibulin insisted his health isn't to blame for his current slump. He missed 10 games in January with a groin strain before suffering the knee injury.

"Health-wise, I'm feeling better every day,'' Khabibulin said. "There are no issues with my health. I don't want to use any excuses. I have to do the job I'm there for. I didn't get the job done the last two games.''

Coach Trent Yawney gave the Hawks the day off Monday. They'll practice today in Bensenville before hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Yawney has yet to designate his starter in goal for that game.

"One of the worst feelings is to get pulled out of two games in a row,'' Khabibulin said, "but it's something I have to deal with. It's not the first time I've gotten pulled, and it won't be the last, I'm sure. It's a terrible feeling, but I've got to look forward. I just have to go back to practice and work on things.''

Yawney believes Khabibulin's problems are a timing issue, but a lack of confidence might be creeping in, too.

"Timing is a big part of goaltending, and he looked a little off balance,'' Yawney said. "I didn't want to leave him in there and have him get more frustrated.''

The signing of Khabibulin in the summer to a four-year, $27 million contract was well-received by Hawks fans, but he carries a 12-21-3 record. The Hawks have stuck by him, though general manager Dale Tallon said there was "casual conversation'' with the Tampa Bay Lightning two weeks ago about a possible trade back to his old team.

The injuries, Tallon and Yawney believe, have kept Khabibulin from playing up to his high level of past seasons.

"In all fairness to him, it's very difficult to come back from any injury with the pace of the game, the way it's played now and it being this time of the year,'' Yawney said. "Teams are getting ready for the playoffs.''

Not the Hawks. They've lost five of their last six games and took over sole possession of last place in the Western Conference behind St. Louis following the Blues' 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets on Monday night.