NEED TO KNOW
With a 3-1 series deficit against the Detroit Red Wings in their Western Conference Semifinal series, the Chicago Blackhawks faced a daunting task, one that very few teams have accomplished. Since finding themselves in that hole, the ‘Hawks have since won five games in a row, defeating the Wings in seven games and are now leading the Los Angeles Kings 2-0 in the Western Conference Final. During this stretch, ‘Hawks backstop Corey Crawford has earned all five victories, recording a save percentage of .944 and has only allowed eight goals against along the way. Thanks in large part to Crawford’s play, the Blackhawks have last year’s Stanley Cup champions on the ropes while the team’s confidence has reached a high level.
In just his third full NHL campaign, the 28-year-old has already amassed a great deal of playoff experience in the past two seasons, playing in 27 playoff games to date. Crawford has been a crucial element of the Blackhawks’ 2013 playoff success to date and if he and his teammates continue their strong play, they could be on their way back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since they captured the league’s top prize in 2009-10.
At 6’2”, 208 lbs., Crawford’s big frame is a difficult obstacle for opponents to overcome, something that was evident in his regular season save percentage (.926) - good for fifth best in the league - combined with a stellar goals against average (1.95). As the 2013 playoffs roll on, Crawford has proven his ability to make big saves in pressure situations and has been instrumental in the Blackhawks success to date.
- Currently leads all goaltenders in playoff wins (10) and goals against average (1.67)
- Appeared in 30 regular season games recording 19 wins and five losses
BIOGRAPHY
- Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on December 31, 1984
- Drafted in the 2nd round, 52nd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft
- Played four seasons with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), earning 96 wins in 193 games
- Was the recipient of the 2012–13 William M. Jennings Trophy (with Ray Emery) for the goaltender(s) who played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it
