Blackhawks' Crawford can't wait to get back into net

There was no hesitation when Corey Crawford was asked if, after missing eight straight games, he was concerned about regaining his old form when he gets the start in net tonight for the Blackhawks in Columbus.

“Nope, not thinking about it,” he said. “I'm thinking about the first shift, the first shot ... that's all I can worry about and focus on right now.”

Well, if Crawford plays anywhere near the form he had before getting injured on the first day of December (12-5-1, 1.87 goals-against average and .929 save percentage), or as well as Antti Raanta and Scott Darling did in his stead, it shouldn't be an issue.

“The consistency of our goaltenders this year, no matter who's been in net — game in and game out they've been getting the job done,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said,

“He looked good today in practice. He's been pushing it to get in here.

“Give him a chance to get in here before the holiday.”

Of course if the uber-competitive Crawford had his druthers, he would've returned to the lineup earlier this week, but the Hawks opted to ease him back gently instead.

To say he's itching to get back in the lineup — for the first time since leading the Hawks to a 5-1 mark on the circus trip — would be an absolute understatement.

“The timing is there, I'm seeing shots really well ... I'm good to go,” Crawford said. “I've been feeling good in practice and working really hard.

“Just get out there and battle.”

And just as it was before he went down, once again it will be Antti Raanta serving as his backup.

Raanta and Darling had a spirited battle while Crawford was out, and in the end the decision was made to send Darling back down to Rockford.

“It's kind of back to the situation we had before,” Quenneville said. “We keep Darling playing and Antti was here before and deserves to stay here.”

Crawford, who ranks fourth in the NHL in goals-against average, was off to what many felt was the best start of his career before a bad step while leaving a concert sent him to the sidelines.

Just what does the 29-year-old credit for his strong start?

“Experience always helps,” he said. “For a goalie in this league you always have to be able to read the play well.

“You have to be a good reactor too, and athletic. But reading the play just gives you that much more time to get to pucks.”

His coach says Crawford's improved play has been more than noticeable.

“Two years ago I thought he had an outstanding year and last year was OK,” Quenneville said. “I think this year he's probably been at his best as far as consistency game in and game out.

“This year, he's gone to that next step.”

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