Are Chicago’s Goaltending Questions Answered?

Jan 27, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie

(50) looks for the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Corey Crawford was named the NHL’s 2nd star of the week. This brings up an all-too-familiar topic among Blackhawks fans. All throughout the off-season, the Blackhawks’ biggest question was if the duo of Crawford/Ray Emery is strong enough to make a substantial playoff run.

Those questions seemed to be answered early on, as Crow’s play has been great to start the campaign. He is leading the league in Minutes Played with 304, and is 5-0. He has a stellar save percentage, at .933%, good for 6th in the league. He is, (at least so far) among the league’s best goaltenders.

However, if Chicago wants to stay perfect, Crawford is going to have to stay airtight. There is a long way to go in this season, and we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. Now the question has gone from “How good is he going to be this year?” to “How long can he stay this good?” All it takes is one shot in the wrong place and the pressure may shift to Emery’s shoulders for a while. If it was a perfect world, Crawford can last the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs, with a little assistance from Emery. He is 28 years old, and poised to enter the prime of his career.

Some would say that the answer to these questions is yes; Crawford is Chicago’s goaltending future. However, time will only tell.