Raise your hand if you thought Corey Crawford was going to be this good. That is what I thought, and if you did raise your hand you are most likely lying.
After spending a prolonged period of time in Rockford as the No. 1 goaltender, Crawford has shown Chicago and the rest of hockey fans why he belongs in the NHL.
Marty Turco was signed to be the Chicago Blackhawk No. 1 goaltender for the season. Fans were happy, the team seemed ecstatic to have such a smart and expereinced goaltender and it seemed Chicago had its goaltender issues under control.
Boy were you all wrong. Okay, okay… me too. Crawford had his struggles in the beginning as well, which made the Blackhawks goaltender situation seem like the end of their playoff trip in early November.
Currently heading into the final games of the regular season, the Blackhawks have won eight straight games, more often than not because of Crawford.
Jonathan Toews’ line has been an immense help on the scoring end, but Crawford’s extraordinary saves have been paradise for the Blackhawks playoffs chances this season.
Crawford is sitting at 26 wins (13th overall in the NHL) and a 2.19 GAA (3rd overall in the NHL). His performance and stats keep improving as the season moves along.
He has become the teams’ sensation especially after the All-Star break. The Blackhawks are now sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference. They are looking to catch the Detroit Redwings to win the Central Division Conference back to back.
The media and fans have been throwing his name around frequently now for his case to win the Calder Trophy. It is quite possible as his talent has broguht hope back to Chicago.
It is painless to see that Crawford has been the savior late this season with his confidence and in fact, skill. One would have to think working with Turco has given him this assurance to lend a hand to the reigning Stanley Cup Champs one more chance in the playoffs.
Very well said Spot on especially about Crawford
I agree completely. I was, and still am, a huge Turco fan but he did disapoint earlier in the season and Crawford has stepped up huge. I am glad he is finally getting a shot that he deserves. Also, kinda says something about the Rockford/Hawks organization if they keep producing good goalies (Neimi had skill too just a bad agent). Keep it up Ozzy!
Great article on Corey Crawford. I live a mile from where the IceHogs play in Rockford and we go to many of their games. I have to admit we would even cringe when he would get the call here. Last year we all remember he got passed up for Niemi. To his credit he came back to Rockford and kept working hard. His transformation is nothing short of incredible.