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| Mental Toughness |
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Khabibulin fought through a long stretch of lethargic play this season and finished with a flourish. He has always put up eye-catching numbers in the regular season without furthering that legacy with a similar playoff pedigree. He has a chance to change that now.
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| Glove Hand |
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His glove work is an underrated aspect of his game. When he is on form, Khabibulin might just be the best catcher of the puck in the game today in traffic.
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| Stick |
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This is not a strength for Khabibulin when it comes to shooting and passing. However, Khabibulin is quite competent using the paddle down technique on wraparound bids.
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| Pads |
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Khabibulin has excellent form in moving side-to-side and getting maximum coverage down low from the middle of the crease to either post. He has the knack for handling chances in close with his pads and still maintaining rebound control.
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| Style |
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Outstanding V-style that features the best lateral push in the game. At his best, he is the poster boy for goaltending through economy of motion.
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| Intangible |
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The Bulin Wall hasn't appeared in the NHL Playoffs since the 1998-99 season and in is 0-4 in series play. Further, Khabibulin has the unflattering distinction of having a higher career goals-against average in the playoffs than in the regular season. Still, he was magnificent down the stretch and rose to the occasion last February in the 2002 Olympics, performing brilliantly for Russia.
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