Chicago Blackhawks Waive Jeff Glass; Berube Likely On Way

After another dismal performance Tuesday, goaltender Jeff Glass was waived by the Chicago Blackhawks with the intention of sending him to the AHL

Jeff Glass had a brutal third period in net last night for the Chicago Blackhawks, allowing three goals to watch a 2-1 Blackhawks lead over the Vegas Golden Knights turn into an eventual 5-2 defeat. This was after Glass allowed three goals to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday.

Coach Joel Quenneville has appeared infatuated with Glass, but the Blackhawks have decided enough is enough with the journeyman netminder. He was placed on waivers today, and it seems highly unlikely any team would try to snatch him.

In that case, we can expect a call-up of J.F. Berube from the AHL tomorrow. Berube was competing with Anton Forsberg this preseason for the backup job to Corey Crawford, but Berube has stayed with the Rockford IceHogs all year to this point.

Berube’s record doesn’t exactly match his other stats. He’s gone 7-8-0 with the Hogs, but has a .920 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average. Not bad, by any stretch.

He’ll need to be much better, though, as the presumable backup to Forsberg. Considering how poorly the Blackhawks have played of late, it may not even matter.

Is it Forsberg’s time?

The biggest question here isn’t about Glass. Despite how many times Steve Konroyd last night wanted us to “feel for” Glass, he was doing a poor job in net. He should be in the minor leagues.

The big question is, does Forsberg actually get the starting job now? It doesn’t sound like Crow is set to return just yet, and the Blackhawks are hopefully considering the wise move of just shutting him down for the season. If the Blackhawks didn’t call up Berube all year, only to add him now and have him leapfrog Forsberg, that would shatter the former Blue Jacket’s confidence.

Not that it may not be already. Forsberg was inexplicably overlooked in favor of Glass despite generally playing a better game. Forsberg hasn’t been great, but neither has the team in front of him. Glass has been noticeably bad far more often than Forsberg.

So let’s hope this move means Forsberg is actually going to get some rope from Coach Q. The alternatives (Berube starting or Crow returning) are not good for this team’s future. Perhaps it could improve the present product, but what exactly is the point in worrying about that? These Blackhawks aren’t qualifying for the playoffs.

Next: 5 Thoughts From Blackhawks' Loss To Knights

The Blackhawks need to be considerate of their future, which means Forsberg should be getting top minutes in the net as soon as tomorrow against Anaheim.