Crawford on 'awesome' streak of his own for Chicago Blackhawks
Somewhat lost in the midst of Patrick Kane Point Streak Mania is this little fact: Corey Crawford is playing some pretty darn good hockey.
"He's been awesome, especially the last four games," Duncan Keith said Sunday night after the Chicago Blackhawks shut out Vancouver 4-0 at the United Center.
Crawford has posted back-to-back shutouts, making 55 saves in the process, and hasn't allowed a goal for 140 minutes, 46 seconds. Just as impressive is the fact he has allowed a scant 2 goals over the four games Keith was referring to.
It all added up to the league Monday naming Crawford its No. 1 star of the week.
"He's made huge saves when we've needed them," Keith said.
Case in point came midway through the second period Sunday when Crawford stopped a Ben Hutton shot, then also prevented Yannick Weber's rebound attempt from going in. Another big chance came midway through the third when Sven Baertschi unleashed a one-timer from about 25 feet that Crawford blocked.
Crawford's hot streak has improved his season save percentage to .924 and his goals-against average to 2.23, good for 11th and 13th, respectively, in the NHL. The league leaders are the Philadelphia's Michal Neuvirth (.939 save percentage in 15 games) and Washington's Braden Holtby (1.91 GAA).
So does a stretch like this help the 30-year-old's confidence?
"Confidence is always there," Crawford said. "It's a combination of a bunch of things, too. Our D-men have been doing a great job of eliminating second chances. …
"I feel pretty good right now. I feel focused, calm and I'm seeing the puck really well."
Said Kane: "He's playing great. You can tell he's kind of in the zone right now. He's feeling it."
Crawford never seems to get the respect he deserves around the league, and there are even some Blackhawks fans who remain convinced he's not an elite goalie.
To be sure, he will have some hiccups and go through stretches that may make some question the $6 million price tag. But then there are those two Stanley Cup titles and those thoughts ought to vanish.
And if not, consider this: Crawford is tied for seventh-highest-paid goalie in the NHL this season. Five of the goalies who make more rank in the 20s or worse in save percentage and goals-against average.
Only the New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist (league-high $8.5 million), and Montreal's Carey Price ($6.5M) rank in the top 10 in those categories. And Price has played in just 12 games (knee) with the timetable for his return up in the air.
Crawford's strong play is a huge reason the Hawks - with 38 points - have vaulted into second place in the Central Division and could start making a run at Dallas (46 points) for the top spot.
"I feel confident in our team," Kane said. "I think we're kind of realizing the way we need to play to win games. And it takes a little while when you've got a new group together, too.
"We want to keep getting better to obviously make the playoffs and make that playoff run."
And who else would you want manning the net more than Crawford come April? All he has done is go 40-21 with a .923 save percentage over the last three postseasons.
Said Crawford: "Our team is starting to come around. Our PK (penalty kill) is really strong (26 of 30 last 10). It seems like we're getting better and better here. We've just got to keep it going."
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