Well that didn’t take long.
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville has announced that Corey Crawford will be in net for game two Friday night in Nashville. Quenneville made the announcement when he met the press on Thursday, giving Crawford the nod despite backup Scott Darling’s incredible game.
Crawford was pulled after the first period Wednesday night, giving up three goals on 12 shots. Quenneville then went to Darling who didn’t allow a goal and made 42 saves. In fact, Darling turned in one of the best playoff performances in recent years making a few incredible saves in overtime.
Quenneville however said the decision wasn’t hard and that Crawford has been the teams starter all season long. But it’s time for Crawford to rebound and step up if the ‘Hawks want to take a 2-0 series lead and home ice advantage away.
As soon as Keith’s shot hit the back of the net in the second overtime, we all knew what was coming. A debate on who should start for the Blackhawks in game two. Despite a few analysts saying Darling needs the nod, it’s back to Crow. And we really don’t have a problem with it.
Crawford has been solid all season long and sounds like he knows he needs to play better in game two. Otherwise it could be Darling in net for the remainder of the season. In Crawford’s defense however, the Hawks were a totally different time for the final four periods than they were in the first. Crawford told the media he needs to have a short memory:
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiHawks/status/588753008047063040
While the move may get some Blackhawks fans angry, the team really can’t go wrong with who they should start. Crawford has proven he can win and was the Jennings trophy winner this year. And if it was Darling, the Blackhawks wouldn’t be in the wrong either.
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