Hawks play it safe with Crawford
The Blackhawks took the safe route with Corey Crawford on Saturday after the goalie complained of stiffness in his lower body.
Rookie Antti Raanta was recalled from Rockford to back up Nikolai Khabibulin, who started the final preseason game against the Washington Capitals at the United Center.
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville expects Crawford to be ready to start Tuesday's regular-season opener at home against the Capitals.
“It's more precautionary than anything,” Quenneville said. “Crow should be fine.”
Quenneville isn't worried that it will be more than a week since Crawford played a game.
“He's been on the ice every day so he hasn't missed any time,” Quenneville said. “He'll be ready.”
Special occasion: When the Hawks receive their Stanley Cup rings in a private ceremony Sunday night, it will allow for plenty of reminiscing.
“It's always special when you get together and you can revisit that moment,” Joel Quenneville said. “Last time we didn't have everybody. Everybody was at different camps and we had half a team there.
“After the ceremony let's turn the page and get excited about this season.”
Hawks captain Jonathan Toews is looking forward to spending time with his present and former teammates.
“Everything happens so fast when you win,” Toews said. “There's some rare moments here and there that you get to spend with the guys in the locker room or on the plane ride back. It will be pretty cool to get our rings. I think that's a special moment and part of the whole Stanley Cup experience.”
Flashy debut: Former Hawks winger Jamal Mayers made his debut over the weekend as an analyst on the NHL Network.
“I saw him this morning; pretty good start,” Jonathan Toews said. “I would imagine that's not an easy thing to do. Sitting here doing an interview with you guys is completely different than being on the spot on a panel like that.
“He's got a lot of confidence with that sort of thing. It's good chance for him to show off his nice shiny suits.”