Gene Principe

Nikolai Khabibulin.

As Edmonton gets set to take on Ottawa Tuesday night, Nikolai Khabibulin will miss his 44th game of the season.

It's been a difficult season for Nikolai Khabibulin. First he woke up on the morning of Nov. 21 with a bad back and eventually had to undergo season-ending surgery.

As if that wasn't enough bad news for the netminder he made more news away from the rink. On Feb. 8, near his off-season home in Phoenix, he was stopped by police and cited for drinking and driving.

His blood alcohol level was .164 which is twice the legal limit. As a result it is categorized as an extreme DUI. It means if he is found gulity Khabibulin will face a minimum of 30 days in jail and a maximum of six months. His next court date is March 16.

"There is not much I can say," Khabibulin responded when asked about it for a first time since the incident occurred. "My lawyer said so and I'm sorry. My teammates have supported me but that's all I can say."

With his legal status to be determined in the courts it was all the talking he did about off-ice matters, but the goaltender was much more forthcoming about his on-ice situation.

For those who have forgotten Khabibulin was signed to a four-year deal worth $15.8 million this off-season. However 18 games in with Edmonton he started suffering from back spasms. It never got better and on Jan. 14 he underwent surgery. His recovery time was pegged at 12 weeks.

"I can tell you it feels much better now than it did before the surgery," the Russian explained. "At least now I can walk around and do normal stuff without having to sit down every five minutes."

Since going under the knife he has gone to see Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed the surgery, on a couole different occasions and also is in contact with the Oilers team doctor every few days. He doesn't expect to be back for a game this season but that doesn't mean he won't be back on the blades.

"I would like to at least get on the ice a few times," said Khabibulin. "It would be good to get out there and just get a feel for it and work on the technical aspect."

As Edmonton gets set to take on Ottawa Tuesday night, Khabibulin will miss his 44th game of the season.