Corey Crawford Has A Vintage Performance To Snap 8-Game Losing Streak

Tonight, was a low-scoring throwback hockey matchup between the Blackhawks and the Blues. The Blackhawks came out on top in a 1-0 win at home. Good special teams play, solid team defense, and a shutout from Corey Crawford was the recipe for success. A vintage performance from Crawford and a Brent Seabrook power-play goal was enough to snap an 8-game losing streak and get new head coach, Jeremy Colliton, his first win in the NHL.

That’s win #1 for Coach Colliton! pic.twitter.com/aEQ9CkTUwH

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) November 15, 2018

Corey Crawford Hasn’t Missed A Beat

After almost 10 months away from all hockey activities, Corey Crawford has returned and it looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. Crawford picked up his 4th win of the season with a 28 save shutout tonight.

It was the Crow Show at the UC tonight 🥅 pic.twitter.com/Y9JusdPzJl

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) November 15, 2018

The Blackhawks would be in a much worse position if Crawford didn’t return this season. The defense has been giving up so many quality shots and turn the puck over constantly. I honestly can’t see any other goalie keeping the Blackhawks in games the way Crawford has been.

The reason why the #Blackhawks won last night, Corey Crawford. #CHIvsSTL pic.twitter.com/hpDN7nNf2V

— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) November 15, 2018

When it’s all said and done, Corey Crawford could end up being the most underrated athlete in Chicago sports history.

Blackhawks Put the Special Back In Special Teams

Believe it or not, the only goal of the night was scored on a Blackhawks’ power play. Brent Seabrook stepped up into the play and fired a shot from the weak side. His shot actually bounced off Blues’ defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester, and kicked across the line.

Brent Seabrook gets credit for the PPG. Halfway through the 2nd period, the #Blackhawks are up 1-0! #CHIvsSTL pic.twitter.com/o9PIT2uHXc

— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) November 15, 2018

Patrick Kane double-shifted on both power play opportunities tonight, and he ended up with 2:35 PP TOI. I had actually mentioned the idea last week and it seemed to work out. It will be interesting to see if Coach Colliton sticks with this gameplan going forward.

Where Do The Blackhawks Stand Right Now?

The most important thing to come out of the game tonight is the fact that the Blackhawks were able to play with the lead, keep it, and finish the game strong for the W. In the past few games during the losing streak, they would have maybe one or two solid periods of hockey and then lose it in the end. Tonight’s performance was very refreshing and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

After going 6-2-2 to start the season, the Blackhawks cooled off in a big way. They have fallen to 6th place in the Central division with a 7-8-4 record.

My Expectations Going Forward

I’m going to be honest with you right now. It will be a tough task to win the Central division this season. Nashville and Winnipeg will likely be neck and neck for 1st place. If things continue to improve for the Blackhawks, then I could possibly see them squeaking into the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

The addition of Gustav Forsling seemed to really provide a boost to the team and helped solidify the defense. Connor Murphy should be returning in mid-December, so there’s another boost there too. Also, don’t count out a trade or two this season since there’s currently $4.321 mil in cap space available.

The win tonight provided a huge morale boost and the guys really seemed to be enjoying themselves again. Going forward, there are a few things that need to happen for this team to enjoy sustained success this season.

Special teams need to be special
Consistent team defense
Strong performances from Corey Crawford

My outlook on the rest of the season is a little more optimistic now. Let’s see if the Blackhawks can build off of this impressive team win and turn this season around.