Crawford strong in return, but Chicago Blackhawks fall to Coyotes

Corey Crawford is all business all the time.

Anyone expecting an emotional, teary response before or after his return to the crease Thursday night hasn't paid very close attention to Crawford's demeanor since he became the Chicago Blackhawks' starting goaltender in 2010.

"I was trying just to think about details and what I have to do out there, and I was just trying to get good feelings early and ride with that," said Crawford, who made 27 saves in a 4-1 loss to Arizona at the United Center.

But what about the bigger picture and the fact that you overcame a severe concussion, with symptoms that lasted well over six months? Is that not a cause for celebration?

"I don't know if there's a bigger picture other than winning hockey games," Crawford said. "That's our goal every time we go out there."

Simple. Direct. To the point.

That's Crawford in a nutshell, and it's probably what makes him one of the top goalies in the league. He doesn't let a bad goal, bad period or bad game rattle him.

Ever.

Move on.

There's nothing you can do about the past.

As for the future, it is suddenly much less hazy for the Hawks - and that's great news for Crawford, coach Joel Quenneville and the rest of the team. Yes, they lost to a lowly Coyotes squad, but Crawford looked awfully good for a guy who hadn't played in nearly 10 months.

"I thought he was in control; he handled the puck around the net real well," Quenneville said. "His movement was excellent. Anticipated well. On top of his crease. Stopped some real dangerous looks."

Crawford's first save since Dec. 23 came 46 seconds in as he easily turned away a low Brad Richardson shot with his left leg. Crawford saved the next 5 shots as well, but he had no chance on Arizona's seventh attempt - a one-timer from Lawson Crouse that completed a 2-on-1 breakaway with 8:17 remaining in the first period.

Erik Gustafsson scored the Hawks' only goal, tying the game at 6:34 of the second period. Vinnie Hinostroza restored the Coyotes' lead, however, just over two minutes later when he ripped a shot that got past Crawford. Clayton Keller made it 3-1 with 5:38 remaining after stealing a Chris Kunitz turnover at the defensive blue line, and Hinostroza added an empty-netter to seal the deal.

Crawford looked poised and strong all night. His rebound control was impressive, especially on a Kevin Connauton attempt early in the third period. He also stoned Michael Grabner on a breakaway with 15:55 remaining, coming out of the net at first and then slowly backing up as Grabner approached.

"Real positive with Crow and how well he played and sustained it," Quenneville said. "Kept us in the game and gave us a chance. Unfortunately, we didn't take advantage of it."

Crawford said the only time he felt nervous was when he arrived at the rink. He didn't get misty-eyed during the pregame introductions - when PA announcer Gene Honda paused for a few extra seconds to allow fans to express their feelings - or during the national anthem.

"Just getting ready for the game, pretty much," Crawford said. "Same old. Back to the same old."

And Blackhawks fans can't ask for much more than that.

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