Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- It’s That Time Of The Year

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The day of the year we worry the most about as Chicago Blackhawks fans has come and delivered like it normally does. It’s that time of year when Corey Crawford goes on I.R. 

The Chicago Blackhawks have had one true MVP this season, and it’s been their #1 Goalie Corey Crawford.  Seeing him have to go to the I.R. is a really bad thing to think about after how well he’s played this season.

The strange thing is the fact that this is when he normally does go on I.R.  3 years ago around this time, Crawford made a big misstep at a concert that cost him basically the month of December and it gave Raanta Claus!  I’m pretty sure everyone inside and outside of the organization was pretty upset with Crawford getting hurt at a concert.

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Last season it was an emergency appendectomy that basically sidelined him for the month of December.  Both times, I was telling anyone that listened that Crawford should already be in the running for the Vezina trophy.  The thing is after he returns as always in January, he’s never quite as sharp as he was to start the season which always knocks him out of the top 3 spots for the Vezina.

The Chicago Blackhawk have been blessed with a lot of very good back up goalies from Ray Emery, Antti Raanta, and Lemont Native Scott Darling.  Now it’s Anton Forsberg‘s chance to shine while Crawford is on the mend.  If history repeats itself which it naturally does all the time here, expect big things from Forsberg this month!

Here are some morning links to start your weekend! 

What did Alex DeBrincat have to say after the Hawks overtime loss to the Stars on Thursday night (Blackhawks)

The big news of the day was the unexpected placement of Corey Crawford on I.R. (Athletic)

The story from Thursday night was wasted powerplays (Committed Indians)

Oh yeah, Why was Crawford put on injured reserve (CSN)

The New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks made a blockbuster trade on Friday (Bleacher Report)

The Nashville Predators November ended in a big thud (Tennessean)

Patrik Laine says he’s struggling with his confidence again (SportsNet)

Jared Spurgeon will be out for two weeks with a groin strain (ESPN)

Next: Conference Losses Could Come Back To Haunt Blackhawks

Kris Russell scores a terrible own goal in loss to Toronto (Puck Daddy)