Toews plans to play with 40 fresh stitches
The Blackhawks' goaltender of the future is playing a role in the here and now.
With Nikolai Khabibulin sidelined indefinitely by back spasms and Patrick Lalime thrust into the starting spot, Corey Crawford is serving as backup goalie and will get the start Wednesday night when the Hawks play the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center.
Crawford, 23, was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Feb. 22."This is why I play every day, to be up here and to play in the NHL," he said. "To make a step like this from the AHL, it's a lot different."
Crawford, the Hawks' second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2003, had a 24-15-5 record and 2.78 goals-against average with Rockford and has appeared in two games in relief of Lalime since his call-up, allowing three goals and making 12 saves.
"It felt pretty good to get in there," Crawford said. "The first game [Feb. 24 in Anaheim] was kind of nerve-wracking. It will take time, maybe a couple of weeks just to get the groove. I already feel better in practice."
Crawford's start against the Ducks will be the second of his NHL career; he started once last season among two games played. He has played extensively in the AHL and has waited patiently for his chance with the big club.
"I've gotten faster, stronger and more patient," Crawford said. "I'm only 23 years old. With Patrick and Khabibulin here, I knew I'd have to wait. I've worked hard to keep focused. I still have a lot of work to do."
Khabibulin took a shot for his ailing back Monday and the team will wait a few days to see how it responds.
Tough Toews
Rookie Jonathan Toews arrived at Monday's practice following a trip to the dentist in time to watch his teammates complete their preparation for Tuesday's game against the Wild in St. Paul.
Toews said he will play against the Wild despite receiving 40 stitches in his mouth and chipping a tooth when he was checked by Vancouver's Matt Pettinger, who got his stick up during the play and upset the Hawks.
"Maybe it was a little late," Toews said of the hit. "It might have been my own stick when I got it up to protect myself. I need to keep my head up a little bit and maybe see it coming. Be smarter and be ready for that sort of thing."
Toews will wear a full-caged mask to protect himself against the Wild. He said it was the first time he's lost a tooth playing hockey.
"I've been pretty lucky so far. I guess it's part of the game."
One-timers
The Hawks reassigned forwards Jake Dowell and Petri Kontiola to Rockford on Monday. ... Center Dave Bolland (hip flexor) practiced and will play against the Wild. ... Robert Lang (back) also practiced but will not play and Brent Sopel (hand) was on the ice for a limited workout?he's out for another couple of weeks. ... Yanic Perreault (wrist), Kevyn Adams (knee) and Andrei Zyuzin (groin) all practiced as well.
The Blackhawks' goaltender of the future is playing a role in the here and now.
With Nikolai Khabibulin sidelined indefinitely by back spasms and Patrick Lalime thrust into the starting spot, Corey Crawford is serving as backup goalie and will get the start Wednesday night when the Hawks play the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center.
Crawford, 23, was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Feb. 22."This is why I play every day, to be up here and to play in the NHL," he said. "To make a step like this from the AHL, it's a lot different."
Crawford, the Hawks' second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2003, had a 24-15-5 record and 2.78 goals-against average with Rockford and has appeared in two games in relief of Lalime since his call-up, allowing three goals and making 12 saves.
"It felt pretty good to get in there," Crawford said. "The first game [Feb. 24 in Anaheim] was kind of nerve-wracking. It will take time, maybe a couple of weeks just to get the groove. I already feel better in practice."
Crawford's start against the Ducks will be the second of his NHL career; he started once last season among two games played. He has played extensively in the AHL and has waited patiently for his chance with the big club.
"I've gotten faster, stronger and more patient," Crawford said. "I'm only 23 years old. With Patrick and Khabibulin here, I knew I'd have to wait. I've worked hard to keep focused. I still have a lot of work to do."
Khabibulin took a shot for his ailing back Monday and the team will wait a few days to see how it responds.
Tough Toews
Rookie Jonathan Toews arrived at Monday's practice following a trip to the dentist in time to watch his teammates complete their preparation for Tuesday's game against the Wild in St. Paul.
Toews said he will play against the Wild despite receiving 40 stitches in his mouth and chipping a tooth when he was checked by Vancouver's Matt Pettinger, who got his stick up during the play and upset the Hawks.
"Maybe it was a little late," Toews said of the hit. "It might have been my own stick when I got it up to protect myself. I need to keep my head up a little bit and maybe see it coming. Be smarter and be ready for that sort of thing."
Toews will wear a full-caged mask to protect himself against the Wild. He said it was the first time he's lost a tooth playing hockey.
"I've been pretty lucky so far. I guess it's part of the game."
One-timers
The Hawks reassigned forwards Jake Dowell and Petri Kontiola to Rockford on Monday. ... Center Dave Bolland (hip flexor) practiced and will play against the Wild. ... Robert Lang (back) also practiced but will not play and Brent Sopel (hand) was on the ice for a limited workout?he's out for another couple of weeks. ... Yanic Perreault (wrist), Kevyn Adams (knee) and Andrei Zyuzin (groin) all practiced as well.
