Dynamic duo: Hawks thankful to have Lehner, Crawford going strong
It's time for all Blackhawks fans to give thanks.
Thanks to Robin Lehner. Thanks to Corey Crawford. And thanks to Stan Bowman for putting together the best 1-2 goalie punch in the NHL.
Lehner and Crawford are without a doubt Reasons 1 and 2 why the Hawks are 10-9-5 overall, 6-2-2 in their last 10 and staying relevant in the playoff picture.
"It's unbelievable," defenseman Connor Murphy said after a 3-0 victory over Dallas in which Crawford turned away 32 shots for his first shutout since March.
Unbelievable. Incredible. Sensational. Phenomenal. Miraculous.
We could go on trying to find adjectives that aptly describe how Lehner and Crawford have performed most of this season.
And they've defied the odds in two different ways:
• Both have stayed red hot despite flip-flopping starting assignments for nine straight games. Such a strategy is rarely used because goalies generally thrive when given consistent work.
"I don't know," Crawford said when asked how he's staying in the zone. "Lenny's been playing really well and it's just kind of worked in our favor right now that he's playing so good. And I get in there and play pretty well.
"It's hard for me to answer. It's not my choice. I just try and be ready when I get the call."
• Also incredible is how Lehner and Crawford are both in the top five in save percentage since Nov. 3 despite facing a whopping 125 high-danger scoring chances, according to naturalstattrick.com. Only the Rangers are allowing more chances per game since that date.
Despite seeing a host of odd-man rushes, breakaways and missed assignments in their own zone, Lehner is second in the league in save percentage (. 938), and Crawford is 4-1-1 with a .948 save percentage and 1.82 goals-against average his last six games.
"Both are veterans and the presence they have every day (of) being there for us is fun," Murphy said.
Even if the uneven play in front of them is giving their coach heartburn at times. Still, the Hawks are able to take a few more chances because they know whomever is in net will likely save the day when a misplay occurs.
"I don't think (we) play different, but certainly it gives us the confidence that we know they're going to make the save for us if we need one," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "It's important for our team.
"Obviously we're still learning how to play. We've got some young players who are improving away from the puck, (so) it's definitely a comfort factor for us."
Up next for the Hawks are four tough games: A home-and-home with Colorado (14-8-2), a home game against the division-leading Blues (15-5-6) and a road game against Boston (17-3-5). Each opponent figures to severely test the Hawks, none more so than the Bruins, who are 9-0-4 at home and have outscored opponents by a league-best 31 goals.
The Hawks figure to be in every game, though, thanks to their rock-solid goaltenders.
"They've both been unbelievable all year," said Patrick Kane. "I can't even remember either of them having a bad game or just and OK game.
"It's been a huge boost for us and our team and (our) record. I think (we're) showing a little more confidence because of those guys and the way they're playing in net."
Injury update: Dylan Strome (concussion protocol) did not take part in Thursday's practice at Fifth Third Arena. Drake Caggiula, who is also recovering from a concussion, did drills on the arena's second rink.
Coach Jeremy Colliton isn't sure when either player might return.
By the numbers
High danger chances allowed per game during 5-on-5 play.
Team Chances
1. Blackhawks 10.6
2. N.Y. Rangers 10.5
3. San Jose 9.4
4. Florida 9.38
4. Winnipeg 9.38
SOURCE: naturalstattrick.com
Standing tall
Robin Lehner's numbers:
W-L-OL Sv% GAA
5-4-3 .938 2.38
Corey Crawford's numbers:
W-L-OL Sv% GAA
5-5-2 .920 2.77
SOURCE: NHL statistics