Tough stretch for Crawford, but Quenneville not concerned

WASHINGTON — It’s been a rough week for Corey Crawford.

The Blackhawks’ rookie goalie, who has appeared in 44 games, was pulled for the first time this season in Tuesday’s loss at Florida, then lost in overtime at Tampa Bay and 4-3 to the Capitals on Sunday.

Crawford agreed that it’s a rough stretch, “because we’re losing,” he said after Sunday’s OT defeat at the Verizon Center.

“I can always make a couple more saves to keep it tied or to stay ahead and be more consistent, but I think that happens at times during the season,” Crawford said. “I just have to find a way to make that extra save.”

If Crawford starts again Monday night against San Jose, it would be his 15th straight and 28th start in the last 32 games.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville isn’t worried about his first-year player.

“He’s got good standards and he wants to stop every shot,” Quenneville said. “If you look at the ones that go in, I would say our coverage was loose in the Florida game.

“I think we can nullify the higher-quality chances and rely on him to be consistent. I think as the game progresses and the games are on the line, he’s been big and been fine all year long. He’s been good for us.”