Blackhawks Daily: Corey Crawford at the U.C., OT Winner, Mrazek

The Chicago Blackhawks have a few days off after their win last night against the Minnesota Wild. It was a night to remember at the United Center (well maybe not the third period), but all in all Chicago should be energized after beating one of the best teams in hockey right now.

The fun got started before puck drop with a familiar face in the crowd.

Blackhawks legend Corey Crawford returns to the United Center.

It was fitting the Petr Mrazek played one of his best games of the season last night against the Wild. Blackhawks legend Corey Crawford was in the crowd to take it in. Before puck drop Crawford and his sons sounded the horn, a new tradition the team started this season.

Corey Crawford spotted in the Madhouse💪 pic.twitter.com/WiAW3q6GbF

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) November 11, 2024

Crawford played 488 games over the course of his NHL career, all with the Chicago Blackhawks. He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft, and would go on to win two Stanley Cups with the Hawks.

I might be a little bias, but in my opinion Crawford was one of the most vital pieces of the Hawks dynasty. Over the course of his career he registered a .918 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.45, his postseason stats are just as impressive. In 96 playoff games Crawford registered a .918 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.38.

The Hawks have struggled to find a true starting netminder since Crawford was not re-signed in 2020. While the Blackhawks might not be as good as they were with Crawford, Mrazek has become a positive player in the organization, capable of stealing a few extra points for the team.

Blackhawks News You May Have Missed:

The Chicago Blackhawks won a close overtime battle against the Minnesota Wild last night. It was not Chicago’s most complete victory, but they were rewarded for their 40 minutes of stellar defensive hockey last night. Check out our thoughts from the win as well as the players reaction from the locker room.

Last week, our stock report looked at who was up, who was down after a long Blackhawks road trip, before the next installment this week, look back at how Chicago has changed in just a short week.

News From Around The National Hockey Now Network:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to sort through their goaltending struggles this season. Now, with Tristan Jarry back with the NHL squad, what remains to be seen is whether or not he will get what he wants – consistent playing time.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils were shutout by the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night, a shocking twist of fates for the two teams. Following the Devils loss, Sheldon Keefe spoke candidly on his team’s performance.