3 Things Blackhawks Can Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Feb 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) and goalie Corey Crawford (50) during practice the day before a Stadium Series hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Thanksgiving holiday is meant to give thanks for the blessings we may have received, I thought it would be a good idea to take a minute to do so. A few of the things I wanted to bring up could go either way depending if you are a player or a fan but keep in mind what is truly important. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy the 3 things the Chicago Blackhawks can be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Corey Crawford

The Chicago Blackhawks have leaned on Corey Crawford and his stellar netminding often this season. He has played in 16 out of their 22 games and has looked like a Vezina Trophy candidate. So far he has put up a 10-5-1 record and most importantly, he has only given up 1.98 goals per game which ranks 3^rd in the league. In addition, he has a save percentage of .926 which ranks 6^th and is only .006 off from 1^st place. When a team has a goalie that is consistent and helps keep the amount of goals scored to a minimum each game it really helps make it easier on the team in their effort to win the game. If Corey Crawford can keep it up he just may win his first Vezina Trophy and another Stanley Cup!

Health

Some people might think I am crazy giving thanks for the health on the team. The thing is injuries are part of the sport and all you can do is hope that it isn’t too serious and the player can make a full and speedy recovery. Well so far the Blackhawks have had injuries to Corey Crawford, Kris Versteeg, Daniel Carcillo, Andrew Shaw, Patrick Sharp, and Trevor van Riemsdyk. The last two players Patrick Sharp and Trevor van Riemsdyk had more serious injuries that have kept them out for a while. To be thankful though, we just got back Dan Carcillo and Andrew Shaw. Their presence on the ice has already been noticed and they should continue to get better. The other thing to be thankful about relating to injuries is Patrick Sharp is expected to return to action December 3 against the St. Louis Blues so everything is starting to come together. Even though Trevor van Riemsdyk is out for 3-4 months you can always be thankful the injury was not more serious and he possibly can be back to help us down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Have the day off

Being thankful for the Chicago Blackhawks having the day off on Thanksgiving Day is a double sided sword depending if you are a player or a fan. The Chicago Blackhawks are in the last leg of their 6 game circus trip and they have the day off today. I bet that they are thankful for the time to reflect and enjoy some good bonding time with the other players or family depending on their plans. On the other hand I know the Blackhawks fans out there would love to see their favorite team have a big game in the spotlight on Thanksgiving Day. You’ll have to wait though until Friday though because the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers will have the spotlight tonight as the only NHL being played today.

It is Thanksgiving Day and the Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of things to give thanks for. I hope you too take the time today and give thanks for something in your life. Enjoy your time off if you have it and much appreciation to all the people who are working today or tomorrow during Black Friday madness!

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