Blackhawks’ Crawford one of NHL’s ‘Three Stars’ of the week
NEW YORK — Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford and Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Matt Calvert have been named the NHL’s ‘Three Stars’ for the week ending Feb. 27.
Crawford posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.95 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and one shutout, helping the Blackhawks (33-23-6) capture maximum points in the ultra-tight Western Conference playoff race.
Crawford stopped 88 of 94 shots last week, beginning with a 31-save performance in a 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues Feb. 21. He recorded 31 saves in notching his fourth career shutout, a 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators Feb. 24, and stopped 26 shots plus all three shootout attempts in a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Feb. 27.
Crawford has stopped seven consecutive shootout attempts, and 11-of-13 overall this season. His .846 save percentage in the shootout is the fifth-best mark among NHL netminders who have faced 10-or-more attempts.
The 26-year-old Montreal native improved his season record to 22-12-3 with a 2.13 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 37 games.