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Blackhawks’ Crawford closer to returning

The return of Corey Crawford to a net near you is drawing closer and closer.

Crawford skated before Sunday’s practice — his fourth straight day on the ice — and Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville expects the veteran to be back with his teammates following a three-day holiday break this week.

“We’ll see how he comes in after the break,” Quenneville said. “We’ll expect him in practice during that next week. We’ll get a better assessment.

“He’s not that far away, but you need some practice; you need some real pace and shots.”

Crawford (17-6-3, 2.47 GAA) was injured against Florida on Dec. 8.

His replacement, Antti Raanta, will be in goal again Monday night, looking to improve on his 7-1-2 mark since being recalled from Rockford.

Feeling good:In just his second game back after missing a month with a knee injury, Bryan Bickell showed very little rust in the physical department by tying for the team lead with 5 hits in Friday#146;s overtime loss to Vancouver.#147;I feel strong with the hitting,#148; he said. #147;There was more hitting against Vancouver, and I felt comfortable.#147;I feel like I was never out for a month.#148;Rest for the weary:After a brutal stretch of games, the Hawks are looking forward to a nice three-day break from the rink.But first things first: New Jersey awaits Monday night.#147;We want to leave it all out there,#148; Patrick Sharp said of Monday#146;s matchup with the Devils. #147;With those days off you want to make sure you have a thought about how you play the last game.#148;His coach agrees.#147;Let#146;s make sure we prioritize the importance of the game, max out and make sure the focus is on the right place,#148; Joel Quenneville said.And once they return #133;#147;We need to step it up,#148; Andrew Shaw said. #147;There#146;s more in the tank for everybody.#148;

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