Corey Crawford’s absence may benefit the Blackhawks

That right, Corey Crawford’s absence during training camp may benefit the Chicago Blackhawks.

Most people are quick to point out that without their starting goalie, the Chicago Blackhawks are almost certain to lose to the Edmonton Oilers.

You know what, that’s great!

Honestly, I’m probably the only person outside of Edmonton saying that, but there’s a reason for my optimism. (I’ll give you a hint, his initials are “A” and “L”)

Before I continue, I want to be clear that I wish no ill to Corey Crawford, his family, or really anyone else for that matter. I hope he’s doing well and spending time with loved ones.

That being said, he’s not at practice, and Blackhawks fans should be doing the happy dance.

Right now you’re thinking I must be part of the Malcolm Subban fan club, and you’d be wrong.

If the Blackhawks bomb out of the postseason in the first round, they’ll have a chance at the first-round pick. This is the reason for Crawford’s absence being a positive thing. Otherwise, him not being with the rest of the team is terrible.

If you’ll recall, there was a bit of outcry about the fact that one of the “play-in” teams will be awarded the 1st overall pick at the draft. That means that the Blackhawks have a chance.

Why?

Because there’s a second phase to the draft lottery after the play-in phase. As explained by the NHL:

"The No. 1 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft will be determined Aug. 10 by the Second Phase of the NHL Draft Lottery.The team will be one of the eight that are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Qualifiers and will be determined by a second drawing to be held before the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each of the eliminated teams will have a 12.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick."

That means the Blackhawks will have a real chance of winning the Alexis Lafreniere sweepstakes. Not having Crow as the starting netminder is a good way to help that top draft slot fall to Chicago.

As much as it would be great to the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup, and I would love to share a Chelsea Dagger full blast with my neighbors, they aren’t Stanley Cup contenders. “Oh no! A non-believer!” other  Chicago sports fans might be saying.

Let’s face it, the Blackhawks were an objectively bad team this year. No one thought they’d be competing for the Stanley Cup at the end of the regular season, and rightfully so.

If Chicago can pull it off, I certainly won’t complain, although my neighbors might if they don’t like The Fratellis.

Otherwise, let’s hope Edmonton wins so Chicago ends up with another top draft pick!