Secret's out: Crawford enjoying career season for Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford is enjoying a career season, even if he's not headed to the All-Star Game.
Crawford's play certainly has been worthy for inclusion into the exhibition contest later in the month, both during his team's franchise-best 12-game winning streak as well as all season. The two-time Jennings Trophy recipient has yielded just 12 goals over his last 267 shots faced and has won a career-high nine consecutive starts to match Florida Panthers veteran Roberto Luongo for the longest run of the campaign.
Crawford's impressive display has caught the eye of teammate Patrick Kane, who is a captain for the upcoming All-Star Game and the consensus lead candidate for the Hart Trophy. Via ChicagoBlackhawks.com:
"I think he's very underrated as far as goalies go around the league, but we feel we have the best-kept secret with him."
While Kane has already expressed his displeasure with Crawford's omission from the All-Star Game, let's take a look at how well the netminder is playing this season.
Crawford (27-10-2) leads the league with a career-best six shutouts while his .931 save percentage is tied for second among netminders who have appeared in at least 20 games this season.
Corey Crawford is 2nd goalie in @NHLBlackhawks franchise history to win 9 straight personal appearances (Hall: 9-0-0, 1966-67) @EliasSports
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 20, 2016
The 31-year-old Montreal native is within six victories of his personal-best campaign of 2010-11, while his 2.14 goals-against average is his best since posting a 1.94 mark in 30 appearances in 2012-13.
The @NHLBlackhawks have established a franchise record w/ 12 consecutive wins, tying the longest winning streak in the NHL this season (FLA)
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 20, 2016
Crawford is expected to be back in net as Western Conference-leading Chicago (32-13-4) vies for its 13th straight victory Thursday in a Stanley Cup rematch with the Tampa Bay Lightning (25-17-4).
