What do the Chicago Blackhawks do with Corey Crawford?

Corey Crawford’s return looks closer than ever, but is it the right thing to do for him and the team going forward?

The Chicago Blackhawks playoff hopes are officially on life support. After seven straight losses, the Hawks have dropped to 24-25-8. The ordinary play of fill-in netminders Anton Forsberg and Jeff Glass is all more reason to consider a Corey Crawford comeback. But in the end, there is no situation that justifies bringing Crawford back this season.

So you get in the playoffs…then what?

Let’s assume a team that has not won more than five games in a row can somehow put together a double-digit win streak needed to sneak into the final wild card spot. If the playoffs started today Chicago would face a Vegas team they have not beaten all season (0-3).

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If the last two games have shown anything it’s that there is simply no fight in this team. Playoff hockey is a different animal that they simply cannot handle.

And even if they get there, should you take a chance and bring Corey Crawford back?

Injury still unclear

As of now, we still do not know what Corey Crawford’s injury is. Whether it is vertigo-like symptoms or post-concussion like symptoms both scenarios are serious enough to shut Crawford down for the remainder of the season.

With more information coming to light about head injuries, it is selfish to put the season ahead of any of these issues. You must protect him from himself and sit him down. There is simply no other option.

Try out the backups

In years past, the Chicago Blackhawks have had the luxury of solid backup goaltending. This has not been the case this season. Forsberg was brought in to fill the void left by Scott Darling, but his 3.05 GAA and .907 save percentage have left much to be desired even in a backup role.

On Wednesday the Hawks placed rookie Jeff Glass on waivers with expectations of bringing up J.F. Berube. Playing Crawford would take valuable minutes away from a position that needs to be better going into next season.

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If this season has proven anything, it is just how important Corey Crawford is to this Blackhawks team.  He was finally getting his due as a near-elite NHL goaltender. For his sake and the future of the organization, shut him down the rest of season and let the rebuild continue.