Goalie Crawford 'getting closer' to returning to Blackhawks
Corey Crawford worked out for a second straight day at the United Center on Tuesday and "is getting closer" to returning, according to coach Joel Quenneville.
The Hawks have gone 5-6-1 as Crawford recovers from an upper-body injury that is believed to be a head ailment - possibly vertigo or post-concussion syndrome.
"He was in again today, had a good workout," Quenneville said. "Feeling much better. So when we get him on the ice soon here, hopefully we'll get a better assessment of when."
If Crawford can practice in the next day or two, he may be able to return after the all-star break, perhaps at Nashville on Tuesday, at Vancouver on Feb. 1 or at Calgary on Feb. 3.
After the Hawks' 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday, Crawford was chatting with friends in the United Center hallway and looked to be in good spirits. Many of his teammates saw him beforehand.
"It was nice to see him around the rink, talk to him a little bit and see his face again," said Patrick Kane. "Glasser (Jeff Glass) played great last night. Our goalies have been doing fine.
"But, like I've said before, we feel (Crawford's) the best in the league and we'll welcome him back when he's ready."
Said Ryan Hartman: "He looked good. He looked still in shape. I know a lot of guys missed him."
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Ouch:
Tommy Wingels took a puck to the face early in practice Monday and did not return.
"I'm saying he could be OK, but I'm not positive on that," said coach Joel Quenneville.
Wingels has centered the fourth line most of the season but was a healthy scratch Monday against Tampa Bay.
<h3 class="leadin">Slap shots:
Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith did not practice, but "they're fine," according to Joel Quenneville. … After scoring 12 times in the first 29 games, rookie Alex DeBrincat has just 2 goals in the past 18 games. "People are starting to be aware of who he is," Quenneville said. "But that's a pretty normal curve." … … Jeff Glass (3-3-1, .909. 3.17) will start in net for the Hawks when they host Toronto on Wednesday.
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