Corey Crawford missed practice on Monday but head coach Joel Quenneville told the media he just had an off day. After missing Tuesday’s practice as well, Coach Q informed us that Crawford was nursing a groin injury but “should be alright” to start Thursday against Winnipeg. Well, it seems like that’s not case.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced this morning that they have recalled goaltender Alexander Salak from Rockford.
Now, don’t panic Blackhawks fans, this doesn’t necessarily mean Crawford’s injury is serious. My gut feeling is that the team recalled Salak as a precaution just in case Corey Crawford isn’t ready to go tomorrow.
Why rush a groin injury this early in the season anyways? I’m sure we would all rather see a healthy Ray Emery make his regular-season debut at home against a struggling Winnipeg Jets while Corey Crawford rests up for a Tim Thomas-Corey Crawford showdown on Saturday night as the Blackhawks welcome the defending Stanley Cup Boston Bruins to the United Center.
UPDATE: CSN’s Chris Boden tweeted that Corey Crawford is practicing today, Ray Emery is NOT.
A GOOD NEWS