Blackhawks hopeful Corey Crawford will make the trip to Edmonton

The Chicago Blackhawks are hopeful that Corey Crawford will make the trip to Edmonton; while catching him up to speed for Game 1.

If the Chicago Blackhawks can get Corey Crawford up to speed, while him being healthy enough to play in Game 1 against the Oilers, their chances of winning that series will double. Crawford is on a different level than all of the other Blackhawks goalies, whether fans want to admit it or not.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion goalie has sat out of all nine days of training camp being deemed ‘unfit to play’. Of course, the Blackhawks general manager, coaches, and teammates are hopeful that Crawford will be available for them come August 1st.

Stan Bowman told the media today that nothing is ruled out, and their goal is to get him on the team plane on Sunday, as they are hopeful for his return.

Still, Crawford being out could mean several things. If he is injured, getting him back up to speed could be tough, especially against an offensive powerhouse like the Oilers. I would say Malcolm Subban or Collin Delia starting Game 1 is a safer bet than Crawford, but don’t rule out Crawford playing in the series if he is healthy and up to speed.

Crawford gives this team the best chances to win in the playoffs after trading Robin Lehner away. He’s been here before, he’s been in crazy situations, like the 2013 shortened-season, he knows how to play under unusual circumstances.

These next five days will tell all, as if he doesn’t travel with the team, I wouldn’t expect him to play at all in the playoffs, due to health risks of bringing someone else in that hasn’t been in the hub city and quarantined in that city.