Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons For Optimism In 2016-17

3. Clearly Crawford.
Not everyone will agree with me here, but if that’s the case, you are wrong! Goaltender Corey Crawford is a huge positive for these Chicago Blackhawks.
He’s a workhorse, having started in 58 regular-season games last year. He boasted a .924 save percentage, which was within the top 10 in the league. He ranked 19th in the league in goals against, with an average of 2.37.
But considering the defense he had in front of him, that’s not too shabby. Crow seemed to really hit his stride toward the end of the season. The ’Hawks had to rely on him to make big saves time and again. He often kept the team in games as they struggled to score.
At 31 years of age, Crawford has grown and matured over the last six seasons with the ’Hawks. He has had to overcome many obstacles; and he has two Stanley Cups under his belt. I have faith that he is primed to have another spectacular year.
Next: Reason No. 4: On The Core