Here we are, just a few days before the 2018-19 NHL season kicks off and Corey Crawford is still out. We’re stuck with Cam Ward and Anton Forsberg as the Blackhawks’ goalies. I’ll give you a moment to digest that thought and let it really sink in. Why is this happening? Who hates Blackhawks fans this much?
The crimes in question are a doozy. The “big moves” this offseason were signing three low-quality stopgaps instead of trying to actually improve the team. Cam Ward was signed to a 1-year $3 mil deal with a full No Movement Clause tacked onto it. Keep in mind that he’s 35 years old. The next heinous act was signing another 3rd pairing caliber defenseman, Brandon Manning, to a 2-year deal worth $2.25 mil AAV.
If those weren’t bad enough, the Blackhawks went out and signed 38-year-old Chris Kunitz to a 1-year $1 mil deal. The money and years aren’t what makes these deals bad. It’s the fact that management thinks Kunitz, Ward, and Manning are supposed to make this team a contender again. These are unfair and unrealistic expectations being placed on these new players.
You might be asking, “Who’s capable of such a sick and twisted crime?” There’s only one man who would be able to pull something like this off. His name is Stanley Glenn Bowman. StanBo really outdid himself this offseason.
Although it will be painful to watch for a while, the suffering may not be a season-long thing after all. Today, Blackhawks’ goalie, Corey Crawford, resumed practicing with the rest of the team.
Corey Crawford Is Making Progress
Patience is key here. Keep in mind that Corey Crawford has been out of action since December 23, 2017. Crawford started participating in offseason workouts about 2 weeks ago. In this time, a lot of progress has been made.
Just two weeks ago, he was working solo on conditioning drills with goaltending coach, Jimmy Waite. Slowly, but surely, Waite and the Blackhawks have ramped up the intensity in Crawford’s workout regiment. Two weeks later, Corey was seen practicing with the team again.
Today, Crawford took on all types of drills with the team including breakaways, screens, 5-on-5 drills and more. For not being on the ice in the past 9 months, he didn’t look too bad. There was some visible rust, but that is to be expected at this point.
Crawford did his usual pre-practice workout with Jimmy Waite and then he got to work.
#Blackhawks G Corey Crawford does his warmups for the day. It’s still unknown how active he’ll be in practice with the team today. Stay tuned! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Q9xDU3yxnE
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
After warmups, Crawford stepped right in and participated in some full-speed drills. Here was one of Crawford’s first real tests of the day. He faced some breakaways and screens in this drill.
#Blackhawks G Corey Crawford taking more breakaways and doing screen drills. #Progress pic.twitter.com/O6CeFyPkxu
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
Next up was a 3-on-0 rush drill where Saad, Schmaltz, and Kane rushed at Crawford and then set up a screen as another shot was fired from the blue line. The initial shot was partially stopped, but eventually, found its way into the back of the net. Crawford was able to see through the screen and make the stop on the second shot.
#Blackhawks’ G Corey Crawford gives up a soft goal on the glove side, but stops the screen/redirect. pic.twitter.com/4vm50whpnb
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
In this next drill, you can see some flashes of the Crawford of old. You also see that he’s not quite 100% ready yet, as he was beaten by the dirty Brandon Saad dangle. Honestly, there’s a good chance Crawford might’ve gotten beaten at full health too. It was THAT good.
#Blackhawks G Corey Crawford is taking on a bigger workload in practice today. Breakaways by Seabrook, then Keith and Saad. I like the fact that Crawford was able to flash the glove here against Keith. He’s not back yet, but this is #progress pic.twitter.com/zGghYt7cgm
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
The last portion of today’s practice might be the most important part of the whole day. Corey saw his first 5-on-5 action since his last game in December.
#Blackhawks G Corey Crawford sees his first 5-on-5 action since last December pic.twitter.com/ZNkwY4rk8a
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
What’s Next For Corey Crawford?
Today was a huge step in the right direction for Corey Crawford. He is not 100% ready yet, but he was able to hold his own and finished the entire practice in one piece. That’s a great sign for things to come. I can start to feel the burden of a 3rd straight failed season slightly lifting up off of my shoulders.
Corey Crawford went the distance at #Blackhawks practice, rotating in with Forsberg & Ward on every drill. Hope to hear from him shortly.
— Chris Boden (@BodenTweets) October 1, 2018
After practice, Corey Crawford held a short press conference where he answered questions and talked about his experience out on the ice. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews also shared their thoughts on Crawford’s return.
#Blackhawks G Corey Crawford returned to practice for the 1st time since December. He shared his thoughts on how it felt to be out there today with the team. Toews and Kane also commented on Corey’s return. pic.twitter.com/wzuYYArwt4
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
Coach Q later would announce that Corey Crawford has in fact been medically cleared to play. There is still no official timetable set, but we have a much clearer idea of where Corey stands right now.
Coach Q said Corey Crawford has been medically cleared to play. Crawford will travel with #Blackhawks to OTT & STL. Q also said don’t read into it. They want him practicing with the team. No plans to play in any games yet.
This is a step in the right direction. #progress pic.twitter.com/dRbPhs3orC
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 1, 2018
Now, I know you’re thinking, “Crawford is traveling with the team, so he has to be ready to play in a game.” That’s not the case here though. In a delicate and tricky situation such as this one, it’s better to be safe than sorry, literally. Head trauma is nothing to take lightly, especially in a physical sport such as hockey.
Although I want Crawford out there too, I would rather have him get another week or two of full-speed practices in before throwing him out there to the wolves. It’s only fair to him and to all of the Blackhawks’ fans out there. Be happy and be patient. Progress is being made and you don’t want to stunt that in any way.
For more Blackhawks’ news and updates, follow the author @Certified_TonyG on Twitter.
