Tonight, the Blackhawks took on the San Jose Sharks at home. I was actually at the United Center tonight and everything was going pretty well through the first few minutes of the game. Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome scored early on in the 1st period, and then, that is when things began to go downhill for the Blackhawks. On his way to the net, Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks pushed Dylan Strome into Corey Crawford which made Crawford fall backward into the goalpost. He smacked the post so hard that the whole net came loose.
Alternate angle of Evander Kane pushing Dylan Strome into Corey Crawford… 🙄🤬😭😭😭 #Blackhawks #CHIvsSJS #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/vpNYlXhMRp
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) December 17, 2018
Immediately following that nasty collision, Corey Crawford was helped off the ice by Blackhawks’ head athletic trainer, Mike Gapski, and they both went straight to the locker room.
Players crash into Crawford on the rush and the goalie is slow to get up.#Blackhawks Head Athletic Trainer Mike Gapski helps him off the ice and the goaltender goes to the locker room. #CHIvsSJS
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 17, 2018
Crawford would not return and Cam Ward replaced him in net. Things instantly unraveled and the Blackhawks never recovered. They ended up losing 7-3. Corey Crawford would later be diagnosed with a concussion.
Corey Crawford was diagnosed with a concussion, after a violent 1st period collision in the crease. pic.twitter.com/L9c0wkB8fG
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) December 17, 2018
My Encounter With Evander Kane On Twitter
Evander Kane is known for problems on and off the ice since entering the league. There’s no doubt that he’s at the top of Santa’s naughty list. He had some well-known issues during his time in Atlanta/Winnipeg and Buffalo. Well, it looks like you can also tack on my encounter with him on Twitter to the list too.
Evander Kane actually had the balls to like my tweet telling him to “F*** Off”. My tweet included gifs from multiple angles of him pushing Dylan Strome into Corey Crawford, which led to another concussion for Crawford. I’m actually impressed, but nonetheless, I still hate the guy for causing a concussion.
Well, at least @evanderkane_9 had the balls to like my tweet with a gif of him pushing Dylan Strome into Corey Crawford which caused Crawford to hit his head off the goalpost and be concussed… 💩
Kudos to you, sir, but I still hate you for it 🖕🏼😂 #Blackhawks #CHIvsSJS pic.twitter.com/TlDh9HMqmD
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) December 17, 2018
I hope Evander Kane helps the San Jose Sharks choke in the playoffs once again.
Have We Seen the Last of Corey Crawford?
I know nobody wants to think about it, but I’m sure the thought has crossed the minds of all Blackhawks fans. We may have seen the last of Corey Crawford in a Blackhawks uniform. Last season, Crawford sustained a concussion in December — what an unfortunate coincidence.
That concussion would cause him to miss the remainder of the 2017-18 season. He finally worked his way back and was able to suit up for the Blackhawks again in October of this season.
Now, Crawford has yet another concussion and I honestly feel really bad for him. There’s no doubt in my mind that he is seriously contemplating retirement. Crawford actually admitted to almost retiring following the 2017-18. Last year’s concussion was that serious.
No way to know if/when Corey Crawford might play again, but given the severity of his last concussion, the concern is less about hockey and more about his long-term health and well-being. He’s a young man with a 1-year-old son. Here’s hoping he’s OK in the short and long run.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) December 17, 2018
When it comes down to it, your personal health should always be your number one priority, even if you have to sacrifice something you love doing in the process. That’s where Corey Crawford currently stands.
I hope Corey is able to come back and lace up the skates, but if not, I also understand and respect his decision not to. I’m sure there will be an announcement regarding Corey’s future in the next few days, so stayed tuned.
What Does the Future Hold for the Blackhawks?
Well, we all know how last season went when Corey Crawford wasn’t on the ice. We could very well see a repeat of the 2017-18 season or possibly an even worse result.
Although there’s not much of a silver lining right now, and it would absolutely suck to watch another disastrous season, Crawford’s absence would certainly help the Blackhawks lock up the number one draft pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
We are essentially one step closer to making the consensus number one overall prospect, Jack Hughes, the newest member of the Chicago Blackhawks organization.
For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author @Certified_TonyG on Twitter.
