One day after taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Devils, Crawford announced his retirement. Crawford said in a statement that he believes he's "given all I can to the game of hockey." Crawford played 10 full NHL seasons, going 260-162-53 with a 2.45 GAA and .918 SV% in 488 regular-season games. He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner and has twice been a part of the William M. Jennings Trophy tandem.
Crawford has worked his way back from concussion and vertigo in recent years but appeared set to split time with Mackenzie Blackwood in the Devils' crease in 2021. With Crawford taking an indefinite leave, it's impossible to predict when and if he will play this season. From a fantasy hockey perspective, this is tremendous news for Blackwood, who should act as a workhorse as long as Crawford is out. Bump Blackwood well up your draft boards and I would let Crawford hit the waiver wire to begin the season.
Crawford has had concussion issues recently in recent years but has been one of the most consistent goalies in the league. From 2013-to-2018, Crawford ranked third in the NHL in SV% (.922) and 4th in GAA (2.31). However, those numbers have dropped to t-18th in SV% (.913) and t-31 in GAA (2.85) over the last two seasons. The good news for Crawford is that he's leaving the team that gave up the most Scoring Chances Against last year. The bad news, is that he signed with the team that gave up there third-most.
Crawford missed the start of Phase 3 training camp and it was revealed that absence was because the goaltender tested positive for Covid-19. On Sunday, he was included on the Blackhawks' playoff roster and travelled to Edmonton with the team. Head coach Jeremy Colliton said the team is "trying to get [Crawford] up to speed as quick as we can." It's unclear whether or not Crawford will be ready to start Wednesday's exhibition game vs. the Blues or Game 1 vs. the Oilers on Saturday.
Crawford allowed two goals on 26 shots in the Blackhawks loss to the Blues on Sunday. Crawford has made nine consecutive starts, going 5-4-0 with a 2.46 GAA and .928 SV%. Tonight he faces a Sharks team that has lost four straight road games while scoring just 1.50 goals per game.
Crawford allowed two goals on 26 shots in the Blackhawks loss to the Blues on Sunday. Crawford has made nine consecutive starts, going 5-4-0 with a 2.46 GAA and .928 SV%. Tonight he faces a Sharks team that has lost four straight road games while scoring just 1.50 goals per game.
Crawford stopped 37 of 39 shots in the Blackhawks win over the Ducks on Tuesday. Crawford is on an impressive three-game winning streak, stopping 111 of the 117 shots (.949 SV%) that he's faced. Tonight he faces the Oilers for the second time this season--he stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win in the first meeting.
