Confirmed with Link: Nikolai Khabibulin retires as a player

[TheDaysOf 04]

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[AlphaCatalyst]

Thank you Nik

You have earned your retirement, enjoy.

 

[Maelmoor]

The Bulin Wall retires, though it was worth a thread here due to his importance when we won the Cup!

Best of luck to him in his coaching career

http://www.rawcharge.com/2015/11/13...g-goaltender-nikolai-khabibulin-announces-his

 

[LightningStrikes]

Thanks for everything!!

For those wondering he's looking for a front office or coaching job in the KHL.

 

[Hoek]

I figured he had retired already, but thanks Khabi! Still my favorite goalie of all time. He made everything look so easy.

 

[The Gongshow]

Hell of a player, he earned his retirement and respect from all Tampa fans. Thank you Khabi!

 

[The Macho King]

Thanks for the memories (and Cup!) Khabibulin!

 

[FinnLightning26]

Never got to watch him in a Lightning jersey but I've seen the highlights from our Cup run. Hell of a goalie and still probably the best this organization has seen. Good luck in your retirement, Khabby!

 

[LightningStrikes]

 

[Rschmitz]

Still remember his 2002 All-Star game performance where he completely shutout the North American team in the third period and somehow didn't win the MVP. His 02/03 season was actually vastly superior to his 03/04 year. Took it to another level in the 04 playoffs though. The thing that set him apart from the few "not total ****" goalies we've had is that when he's on, he's on. Vasi might be the only one who can match his acrobatic style and agility, yet Khabibulin rarely let that pull him out of position enough that he couldn't recover.

Compare that directly to Grahame, who had a similar style, to see just how talented he really was. Enjoy your retirement!