Corey Crawford Out, Scott Darling Coming Back
On Tuesday, the Blackhawks announced that Antti Raanta will break up Corey Crawford’s streak of 14 consecutive starts on Wednesday night when St. Louis visits the United Center.
Crawford will miss the game with a lower-body injury, and Scott Darling is expected to back-up Raanta.
The Blues, still without Brian Elliott, will have Jake Allen between the pipes. Earlier on Tuesday, St. Louis formally announced they have signed future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, who will back-up Allen on Wednesday. Ken Hitchcock indicated Brodeur could start for the Blues on Thursday or Saturday.
Kind of surprised Darling isn’t getting the call…
Yeah I’m with you on that AJ! Darling’s played fairly solid for Chicago. His big body seems to be the better fit with the hawks style of defensive play. (Not a ton of second chances given up.) Although Raanta is much more athletic he always looks so small in between the pipes. I imagine Q is trying to install some confidence back in Raanta, especially against a tough team like St. Louis. It’s “put up or shut up” time for him. Plus, when you compare their numbers (Darling & Raanta) the only difference is one win and one loss. Everything else is identical.
Sure hope this injury isn’t a result of q again piling on the workload for crow early in the year
I hope it is not a dreaded groin pull. Corey has been on quite a roll and a big reason for recent team success.
apparently Crawford said that he missed a step during a concert and that’s how he got hurt. He’ll be unavailable for the next two-to-three weeks (was seen in a walking boot) sounds like ankle sprain, hopefully not high ankle sprain.
Thanks for update goldenbladz. I would think a lower ankle sprain seems more likely. Probably rolled it. The guys will likely put forth a strong team effort to support Raanta this evening.
Lets Go Hawks!
That’s kinda funny. At least he didn’t pull a Harding and kick a wall. I’m sure the Hawks will be OK without him.
At least he didn’t trip over his gym bag at home like Carlos Boozer did when he hurt himself shortly after signing with the Bulls.