Chicago Blackhawks: Is it Time to Bench Corey Crawford?
The Chicago Blackhawks have been shut out for two games in a row to start the playoffs. Is it time to shake things up and bench Corey Crawford?
After failing to score a goal in game two against Nashville, the Chicago Blackhawks are in uncharted waters. The Blackhawks haven’t looked like the team we’ve grown accustomed to this season and in recent years. Offensively, they haven’t found the back of the net yet this postseason and have looked extremely lost on the ice. The defense hasn’t been much better, giving up five goals isn’t the norm for a Joel Quenneville lead team.
So what can fix the Hawks and get them back in the series? My opinion is coach Q must bench goaltender Corey Crawford. Yes, I realize that the struggles haven’t all been on Crawford. However, the all-star goaltender has given up some pretty soft goals this series. Crawford hasn’t really been the same goalie since his return from his emergency appendectomy in December. Backup goaltender Scott Darling has had a pretty good season and now is the time to give Darling the nod.
Darling finished the regular season 18-5-5 with a 2.33 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. For a backup goaltender in today’s NHL, you couldn’t ask for more.
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The last time Crawford was benched in the playoffs came against Nashville during the Chicago Blackhawks last Stanley Cup title. Crawford was benched in game two and Darling took over and lead the Hawks to a series comeback win. Could history repeat itself this season? As a Blackhawks fan, I sure hope so.
Aside from shaking up lines and pairings, there are not a lot of options for Coach Q. Benching Crawford would undoubtedly send a message to his team. I have always been in Crawford’s corner, but right now down 0-2 and heading into Nashville something needs to be done to send a message to the team. Benching Crawford is the right move to make. I’m sure
Benching Crawford is the right move to make. I’m sure Quenneville has and will continue to weigh all his options before he makes a decision.
The Blackhawks need some sort of spark plug inserted into their lineup come Monday night. Darling may be that spark that’s needed. However, the offense needs to step it up. Aside from Artemi Panarin, I haven’t really seen much heart from the team thus far. It’s time for Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to take control of the offense and lead the team like we all know they can.
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It would not be an easy decision, but in my opinion, benching Crawford and letting Darling take the reins is the right move to make. Obviously, I am not Joel Quenneville and I have no say in what will happen, but this is what would make the most sense.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators will face off in game three on Monday night. The game is in Nashville and will start at 8:30 pm. Stay tuned for up to date roster information and recaps from game three.