Nikolai Khabibulin convicted of drunk driving

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Nikolai Khabibulin convicted of drunk driving
The Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was convicted of three charges related to drinking and driving, and speeding, over the weekend.
The netminder was originally charged six months ago when he was caught in Arizona travelling 40 km/h over the speed limit with a blood alcohol level of .164, which is twice the legal limit in the state. The native of Russia could face up to six months of jail time when he receives sentencing on Tuesday.
Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini said of the conviction, “Both Nikolai and the Oilers organization recognize the severity of what has transpired. We plan on meeting with Nikolai, his agent and the National Hockey League in the near future.”
Last season Khabibulin suffered a back injury that limited the 37-year-old to 18 games. In January he received surgery and was expected to be healthy and ready to play at the beginning of the 2010-11 season. However, depending on the length of sentencing Khabibulin could be out of the line-up for the majority of next season.
The prospect of losing Khabibulin for the better-part of next year must not sit well with the Oilers brass. Currently earning a salary of $3.75 million, the tender has not exactly proved to be a good investment. Moreover, the Oilers could once again be forced to struggle through next season with the tandem of Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk. Last year Drouin-Deslauriers took over the starters role and struggled posting a depressing 3.15 goals-against-average and a .902 save-percentage. Unfortunately Dubnyk did not perform much better, posting a 3.57 goals-against-average and a .889 save-percentage in 19 outings.
The Oilers are already expected to struggle in 2010-11 and without Khabibulin again, they could be worse than last season.
Last year with Edmonton Khabibulin posted a 3.03 goals-against-average and a .909 save-percentage. Though those numbers are hardly spectacular, Oilers faithful will be keeping their fingers crossed that he'll get off without too much jail time.