25 Chicago Blackhawks In 25 Days: Day 8 Corey Crawford

On Day 8 of our 25 Chicago Blackhawks in 25 Days series, we focus on Corey Crawford.

When the season begins in 8 days, the Chicago Blackhawks’ media is going to spend a lot of time talking about the competition in net.

Chicago acquired goaltender Robin Lehner this offseason and gave him a one year contract, to create some healthy competition in net. Lehner is aiming for the starting goaltender spot, but the spot is currently occupied.

The only player that stands between Lehner and the starting position in Chicago is the player we are highlighting today, Corey Crawford.

Player Spotlight: Corey Crawford

Corey Crawford has been the Blackhawks goaltender for the past 9 years. Since the 2010-11 season, Crawford has won 244 games with the Blackhawks, capturing two Stanley Cups along the way.

Crawford, although underappreciated, has been the backbone of the Chicago Blackhawks. We could see how much Crawford was valued by the club when he got hurt twice during the last two seasons.

The Blackhawks missed the playoffs the last two years. This is largely due to a combination of poor defensive play and a lack of goaltending, after two Corey Crawford concussions.

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Blackhawks fans should appreciate Crow for all that he has done for the team. However, heading into a new season where the Blackhawks are seen as potential playoff contenders, they will need all the help they can get.

The NHL is a league based on the future, not the past, and Corey Crawford might become a victim of that.

Corey Crawford has been the backbone of many great teams in Chicago. However, he is now 34 years old and might not be the guy moving forward.

Stan Bowman is going to have a tough decision to make next offseason on whether or not he should sign Crow again, or move forward with Robin Lehner.

Corey Crawford is not going to lose his job without putting up a fight in the crease. Crawford has been doubted before, and this season, he has the chance to prove himself again.

The Blackhawks drafted Crow in the 2nd round of the 2003 NHL draft. Corey ranks 3rd in Blackhawks history for wins and is one of the most successful goaltenders in franchise history. In just 8 days, we will begin to see if Crawford can continue to add to his legacy in 2019-20.