Goaltending Duo Pushing Hawks Towards Cup? - Tazer19's Dynasty

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Goaltending Duo Pushing Hawks Towards Cup?

Posted on November 26, 2011 at 10:44 PM.

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CHICAGO -- Maybe in some parts of the NHL they are whispering about a goaltending controversy in Chicago, but here in Chicago they are loving their two netminders. Nothing against Ray Emery last year, but he didn't seem to have the stamina needed to spell Crawford when he needed it most, this year the young Alexander Salak is showing that he has no problem with his role, and no problem carrying the load if need be. Earlier in the Season there were whispers that Corey Crawford was suffering from a minor injury, this was the case because Salak was given back to back starts with a day off in between. "Crow was fine, if anything it was more of some maintenance time for him as he carried a big load last year, and the last thing we want this year is for him to wear down in November/December," Coach Q said. "Salak has done a fine job for us, and he is right on target for his 20+ starts this year, if anything people should be writing about how much he has helped the club at this point because we haven't had to go outside the organ-i-zation to find a backup."

Salak -
"I will play any roll they want to give me here in Chicago, I love it here, being able to work with Jimmy Waite has really helped my game, and Corey has always been willing and able to provide advice or motivate me when he thinks I need it."

Crawford -
"Knowing that I have a capable backup is something that I feel good about because I know that if for whatever reason I can't go, health wise or just need a day off I don't think the team misses a beat. It also keeps me on my toes, if I start to dip in play there is nothing written in stone that I have to be the guy, I expect to be the guy based on my performance."

A look at the Numbers:

Corey Crawford
GP - 40 / W - 20 / L - 18 / GAA - 2.20 / SV% .925

Alexander Salak
GP - 14 / W - 6 / L - 5 / GAA - 2.28 / SV% .924

If we learned anything from last year it was no matter how good you are in the regular season your season can end in the blink of an eye. The focus here is more on being ready in the playoffs than blowing thru the regular season without being tested. The Hawks are seeing that as we sit at the all-star break here, this hasn't been the prettiest first half season of hockey, but this team should be rested and ready to go come playoff time, at least in the net, let's just get there first.