Chicago Blackhawks: Last nights game is a testimony to the greatness of Corey Crawford

Don’t get me wrong. I think Robin Lehner has been excellent for the Chicago Blackhawks, I just feel that Corey Crawford has and will always be the Blackhawks guy.

The Chicago Blackhawks have two great goaltenders in Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. However, only one guy can be in the net. I know that a lot of people want to see Lehner back next season, I just do not see that working out money-wise. The Blackhawks have too much to cover this offseason with Strome and a handful of other players to sign Lehner. Crawford might be able to fit in the salary cap, and he is worth it.

Corey Crawford stopped 40 of 42 shots faced last night, and he stopped both of the shots he faced in the shoot out. Crawford has definitely been the hot hand for the Blackhawks as of late, as his last three games have been victories.

Now I understand that the Blackhawks do have a long way to go to make the playoffs and that Lehner is just as good as Crawford, but when you look at the other factors Crow brings to the table there is no question in my mind that he is our guy.

Corey Crawford has proven himself time and time again. He might be the most underrated two time Stanley Cup champion goalie the league has ever seen, and he doesn’t care about any of that, he just wants to play the next game.

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Crawford has made a home in the Blackhawks crease, and he has even mentored some other starting goalies. We saw Antti Raanta last night in Arizona. Raanta learned directly from Crawford when he was breaking into the league in 2014. The once Chicago backup was just as well last night, another testimony to Crawford as a mentor.

Crawford deserves the starting job in Chicago until he calls it quits for a career. During that time he can help prepare the Blackhawks next starting goalie, whether it be Colin Delia or Kevin Lankinen. Corey Crawford was as big a reason for the Blackhawks getting the win last night as Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane. It will be interesting to see how Jeremy Colliton splits up his goalies moving forward.