Hawks backup goalie Ray Emery shaky, but still in the hunt

The battle for the Blackhawks’ backup goalie job might not be over yet.

With one preseason game to play, Corey Crawford was scheduled to get it on Sunday at Washington. But Crawford didn’t practice Friday and following the 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh at the United Center, coach Joel Quenneville said his No. 1 goalie might not be able to go against the Capitals.

That would leave another opportunity for veteran Ray Emery and rookie Alexander Salak.

Quenneville didn’t come out and say Crawford was hurt.

“It’s still undetermined with Corey for Sunday,” Quenneville said. “He was originally scheduled for that, but we’ll see how he is Sunday morning. He didn’t skate (Friday) and it’s more maintenance. We’ll see if he’s ready for Sunday.”

Emery, in training camp on a tryout, didn’t help his chances in the loss to the Penguins. He allowed 3 goals, including Matt Cooke’s short-handed blast from the red line that resulted from the goalie misplaying the puck along the wall.

Emery tried to recover, but Cooke’s shot skipped over his stick and through defenseman Brent Seabrook.

“I tried to get it out and rip it down the boards and (the puck) started going funny on me,” Emery said. “He turned it around and hammered it pretty quick. I’ve got to rip it harder or find an open guy.”

Emery has allowed 9 goals in 119 minutes in three preseason appearances with a 4.54 goals-against average and .813 save percentage.

“It hasn’t went the way I want it, especially in the games,” Emery said. “I feel solid on the ice, but just some funny plays. My body feels good and I’d really like the opportunity to play here.”

In his three preseason appearances, Salak has played 124 minutes with a 1.94 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.

Emery said he will leave the decision up to the Hawks.

“I think I bring certain things,” Emery said. “I think I bring some experience. I think they kind of know what to expect from me as far as my track record goes and I expect to get better and better as the year goes on.

“We’ll see. I gave my all.”

Quenneville said the decision doesn’t have to be made until after Sunday’s game.

“We still have time to look at it and sort it out,” Quenneville said. “We still have one more game and a couple more days and we’re going to do what we feel is best for us short-term and long-term at that position.”

Rookie center Brandon Pirri continued his strong bid to make the team with 2 more goals, giving him 4 for the preseason in three games.

Pirri’s chances have improved even more with the injuries to Ben Smith (concussion) and Viktor Stalberg (knee), and with Marcus Kruger having a disappointing camp.

“We didn’t mind his game,” Quenneville said.