While preparing for Saturday’s home opener Friday following a shootout victory over the Stars Thursday night, it was clear to the Blackhawks that they can’t always count on goaltender Corey Crawford to bail them out with a spectacular performance.
To generate some momentum off a game their goaltender stole, the Blackhawks need to get their legs moving early.
Crawford stopped 32 of 34 Stars’ shots and stopped all three shooters in the shootout. The Blackhawks are fully aware they need to have a much better start in front of the hometown fans on Saturday.
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“Last night he showed just how good he can be,” Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, who tallied an assist in the Blackhawks 3-2 shootout victory over Dallas, said. “First period we easily could have been down three, four, five to nothing, and we ended up being up one to nothing.”
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville seems to think Crawford has started this season at another level: “Loved his approach all camp,” said Quenneville. “He’s really been looking at little details, working at his game.”
Injuries: Forward Patrick Sharp missed Friday’s practice for a rest. Defenseman Michal Rozsival (upper-body) skated after practice and Quenneville said the team is targeting his return for next week. Forward Kris Versteeg is still out for about three weeks with a lower-body injury.
Between the Pipes: Crawford is scheduled to be in net for the Blackhawks’ home opener on Saturday with Antti Raanta backing him up.
Twitter: @ScottKingMedia