Until now I've been a big Crawford defender. I thought he deserved to be #1 going into the playoffs.

After last two games, I'm not so sure. He's looking shaky again and last night was kind of like a flashback to the playoffs last year.

If Ray is healthy I think I might favor going with him as well.
- patorioto

After last Sunday's game in St.Louis did you question whether Crawford was ready, willing and capable?

Now because he allows 6 goals in 2 meaningless games against those 2 dog franchises you have lost faith in him.

Crawford is what he is - an average NHL goaltender with holes in his game both technically and probably mentally (although I don't know that for a fact). And he and Razor will have to be good enough because the Hawks have no plans to bring in Lundqvist, Rinne, Quick or Luongo. But it may tell you something about why they pursued Martin Brodeur during the offseason.

last night was deja vu .... your observations are spot on. This team is too good to have a playoff sive do them in. It was clear the hawks would lose the shootout before it started .... Crawford was down and backed into the net when the shooter crossed the blueline. Its about mental toughness - Emery has it, Crawford doesn't. Hoping they rest Ray a few more then get him tuned up for the 1st round.
- jgb007

The playoffs are not about winning shootouts.

The fact is that both goalies have been very solid virtually all season. I see a huge improvement in Crawfords game over last year and his confidence level is much higher - he does not get rattled like he used to in the past. In case anybody needs to be reminded, this team has given up fewer goals than any other team in the league.

I believe that Q will continue to use both of them throughout the playoffs, and will likely lean on one more than the other if either one gets a hot hand. The team has been playing solid defence all year in front of both goalies. Why change the recipe going into the playoffs?

So frankly this whole debate is moot in my view.

Sorry, it's still loaded with failures of logic.

"Can't handle the #1 load anymore. That's why he was signed as a backup."

Because the backup never has to take over the #1 job when the #1 guy gets injured. Just never happens.

And the Hawks extended him for more money this past summer again, knowing Crawford could never get hurt.

Just makes zero sense. Except to some guys in the blogosphere who have it all figured out.
- John Jaeckel

If all you're gonna do is lump me in with "some magical blogging consortium" whose views are totally independent of mine then this isn't really going to go anywhere. For example I never said anything about Alexander Salak

For the record I remember Emery being the best goalie in hockey down the stretch for the Ducks in 2011. THE BEST GOALIE IN HOCKEY. I then saw him be be good but not great and get worse with each game against the Preds. I know his 2011 playoffs was about as good as Corey Crawford's playoffs against Vancouver. But if Crawford's playoff performance is called sub-par for losing to the Canucks in 7, well then Emery's dwindling performance against the much less offensive Preds must be too.

6 weeks ago you beamed about Corey Crawford. Said it was the best you'd ever seen him and that if he played like this you're supremely confident. Now you've changed your mind, on two whole goals in an absolutely meaningless game.

I think the team sees what we see. And its this. When CC lets in a bad goal like last nights half deflated bouncing beach ball from center ice he tends to lose focus. I will add that he looked really strong in the 2/3rd period, but sometimes one bad goal can decide a game as we all know. The 2nd goal was just not a good one either. Now Emerys game against the Stars. Those 2 short side goals not the greatest to give up, but regardless of a good/bad goal Emery always carries himself the same in the crease. And I also think the team plays differently in front of Emery then CC. Emery just has this fiery kick yo a$$ presence about him. Maybe that is the difference. CC is a fine #2 goalie, but I think Emery needs to be #1 to start round 1. If he falters or the hip flares up then its CC turn. Good/bad or indifferent CC set the table for himself with those mind blowing OT goals last year.

I really want CC to turn the corner and win a playoff series, but you can just tell the team plays different with Emery in there as opposed to Crow. Lastly... should start CC against the Nuckers to see where he is at mentally. He needs to have a really good bounce back game quick.

Dare I say that Emery has that Jim McMahon effect on driving his team to win. Aint pretty, but the desire is 200%..

I think the teams sees what we see. And its this. When CC lets in a bad goal like last nights half deflated bouncing beach ball from center ice he tends to lose focus. I will add that he looked really strong in the 2/3rd period, but sometimes one bad goal can decide a game as we all know. The 2nd goal was just not a good one either. Now Emerys game against the Stars. Those 2 short side goals not the greatest to give up, but regardless of a good/bad goal Emery always carries himself the same in the crease. And I also think the team plays differently in front of Emery then CC. Emery just has this fiery kick yo a$$ presence about him. Maybe that is the difference. CC is a fine #2 goalie, but I think Emery needs to be #1 to start round 1. If he falters or the hip flares up then its CC turn. Good/bad or indifferent CC set the table for himself with those mind blowing OT goals last year.

I really want CC to turn the corner and win a playoff series, but you can just tell the team plays different with Emery is there as opposed to Crow. Lastly... should start CC against the Nuckers to see where he is at mentally. He needs to have a really good bounce back game quick.
- z1990z

So you want to start a goaltender in Game 1 of the playoffs who may not have played in 2-3 weeks and probably has had limited practice time? I want to see you give Coach Q that sales pitch.

The second one accepts the assertion that the team plays better in front of Ray is the second the claim that Ray is better than Corey goes out the window. If that is true, then the team in front of the goalie is the source of the problem.

Fact of the matter is that last night's rink length goal was a fluke, and the difference in the game. Crap happens.

As fans of this team, we should hope that Ray's hip is/will not be an issue. We should also hope that the rest of the team works as hard to keep the clown shoes in their lockers no matter who is in goal.

I just don't think it is fair to hold Corey to a higher standard than the rest of his teammates. Good thing this was a mean nothing game. Yet another example of how the Hawks as a team play to the level of their opposition.

Corey is a good goalie. He may never be a great goalie. But in all honesty, how many great goalies are there?

So you want to start a goaltender in Game 1 of the playoffs who may not have played in 2-3 weeks and probably has had limited practice time? I want to see you give Coach Q that sales pitch.
- RickJ

Wow.. the common sense thing would be that Emery is back and gets some games in to sharpen the blade. If he is still out then the answer is obvious. Come on man.. !! Im not that dumb.

you must be older than Beaver Warrior with them Zappa references....just joking
- philco28

ahhhhhhh.....Saw Zappa in concert. Unique.

"Moving to Montana, soon."

Hyperbole! Blanket statements! Panic! Supposition!
- Everyone

Look, this is a team that has lost FIVE games of real hockey all season. 1A, 1B, all the way to 1Z doesn't matter. You can whine all you want about how bad and unreliable Crawford is, but the fact remains that the team is winning with him when he plays.

Here's the truth: it doesn't matter who plays goal in the playoffs. You lead the league in shot differential and you're outchancing teams who are in playoff mode every night, despite having nothing to play for anymore (they don't care about President's Trophies and neither should you). Whoever plays in goal will see the same low number of shots, more specific line matchups, and more time with better players in front of him during tight situations.

How about we watch the games and analyze what happens in them for once, instead of continuing to constantly complain about lineups and rosters?

The second one accepts the assertion that the team plays better in front of Ray is the second the claim that Ray is better than Corey goes out the window. If that is true, then the team in front of the goalie is the source of the problem.

Fact of the matter is that last night's rink length goal was a fluke, and the difference in the game. Crap happens.

As fans of this team, we should hope that Ray's hip is/will not be an issue. We should also hope that the rest of the team works as hard to keep the clown shoes in their lockers no matter who is in goal.

I just don't think it is fair to hold Corey to a higher standard than the rest of his teammates. Good thing this was a mean nothing game. Yet another example of how the Hawks as a team play to the level of their opposition.

Corey is a good goalie. He may never be a great goalie. But in all honesty, how many great goalies are there?
- Return of the Roar

We are not asking for great... but those OT goals last year CAN NOT GO IN!!!! That was the series. Average goalies dialed into the game keep those out. We need solid/consistent. Not asking for Captain Vezina here. Playoff hockey is a war. Little to no room for errors. He needs to keep those basic shots out. I also agree that CC has looked good this year, but.. when starts letting bad goals in it gets us all thinking. And him too probably. CC doesnt have much of a career to say...look at my stats Im ok. Looking back at his numbers, hes been average to good. Im a huge CC fan and want him to do well, but this is a Cup caliber team. They need him to play well. The pressure is on.

Dinah Moe Hum by Frank Zappa, Areosmith also used that line in a song, the name of which alludes me at the moment.
- paulr

Is that the song where in the middle a high-pitched voice says "I got the crystal ball?"

We are not asking for great... but those OT goals last year CAN NOT GO IN!!!! That was the series. Average goalies dialed into the game keep those out. We need solid/consistent. Not asking for Captain Vezina here. Playoff hockey is a war. Little to no room for errors. He needs to keep those basic shots out. I also agree that CC has looked good this year, but.. when starts letting bad goals in it gets us all thinking. And him too probably. CC doesnt have much of a career to say...look at my stats Im ok. Looking back his numbers, hes been average to good. Im a huge CC fan and want him to do well, but this is a Cup caliber team. They need him to play well. The pressure is on.
- z1990z

By that standard, because this is a team game, you should also be calling out Kruger for his turnover that led to a goal, or the defense that can' clear a crease at equally critical times.

You are asking for Vezina goltending from Corey.

The second one accepts the assertion that the team plays better in front of Ray is the second the claim that Ray is better than Corey goes out the window. If that is true, then the team in front of the goalie is the source of the problem.

Fact of the matter is that last night's rink length goal was a fluke, and the difference in the game. Crap happens.

As fans of this team, we should hope that Ray's hip is/will not be an issue. We should also hope that the rest of the team works as hard to keep the clown shoes in their lockers no matter who is in goal.

I just don't think it is fair to hold Corey to a higher standard than the rest of his teammates. Good thing this was a mean nothing game. Yet another example of how the Hawks as a team play to the level of their opposition.

Corey is a good goalie. He may never be a great goalie. But in all honesty, how many great goalies are there?
- Return of the Roar

At this point in the season, you have no (very little) alternative for "the rest of his teammates": you have an alternative for Crawford.

At this point in the season, It's not a matter of holding anyone to a standard: it's a matter of who gives the the best chance of winning.

Doesn't matter how many great goalies there are - it's only a matter of which Blackhawk goalie will give them the best chance of winning.

Is that the song where in the middle a high-pitched voice says "I got the crystal ball?"
- tomcat24

The song was Girl keeps coming apart ...

The line ....

So there she was
Buns up and kneelin'
I was a wheelin' and a dealin'
My ace in the hole so to speak"

Look, this is a team that has lost FIVE games of real hockey all season. 1A, 1B, all the way to 1Z doesn't matter. You can whine all you want about how bad and unreliable Crawford is, but the fact remains that the team is winning with him when he plays.

Here's the truth: it doesn't matter who plays goal in the playoffs. You lead the league in shot differential and you're outchancing teams who are in playoff mode every night, despite having nothing to play for anymore (they don't care about President's Trophies and neither should you). Whoever plays in goal will see the same low number of shots, more specific line matchups, and more time with better players in front of him during tight situations.

How about we watch the games and analyze what happens in them for once, instead of continuing to constantly complain about lineups and rosters?
- Sandus

Stats say different.

And if we didn't "constantly complain", this blog may as well shut down between game days.

By that standard, because this is a team game, you should also be calling out Kruger for his turnover that led to a goal, or the defense that can' clear a crease at equally critical times.

You are asking for Vezina goltending from Corey.
- Return of the Roar

First I was quite clear on what was needed from CC.

I have no problem doing that and do see those other issues often when other players drop the ball. Last night looked like a tired team, but my concern came up with that bouncing goal from center ice. Im not dumping all of this on CC. Sad truth is this.. those OT goals dont go in.. there is no concern with CC. but they did. So he needs to shake those demons. I say over and over.. I want CC to do well hence we should start him against the Nuckers. But I think if both 30 and 50 are healthy and ready to go.. my gut says say Emery should start round 1. Just an opinion. Emery has more playoff experience and has played in the finals.

I may well be, I was alive for two Hawk Stanley cups!
- paulr

DITTO

By that standard, because this is a team game, you should also be calling out Kruger for his turnover that led to a goal, or the defense that can' clear a crease at equally critical times.

You are asking for Vezina goltending from Corey.
- Return of the Roar

Fine - call out Kruger - call out the defense - but you have no alternative for Kruger or (for the most part) the defense.

At this point in the season, it's not a matter of assigning blame - which goalie gives them a better chane to win.

Fine - call out Kruger - call out the defense - but you have no alternative for Kruger or (for the most part) the defense.

At this point in the season, it's not a matter of assigning blame - which goalie gives them a better chane to win.
- StLBravesFan

F'n thank you for that... my goodness.

By that standard, because this is a team game, you should also be calling out Kruger for his turnover that led to a goal, or the defense that can' clear a crease at equally critical times.

You are asking for Vezina goltending from Corey.
- Return of the Roar

I want to see a goalie assess each situation and react accordingly not just stake out a position fall to his kness then cross his fingers. Crawford is too predictable, everyone knows what he'll do before he does. Just skate in on him and when he drops to his knees shoot high preferably to his glove side. Earlier in the year he didn't always commit first, he relied on using his mind, senses, positioning and athleticism. Now he immediately and mindlessly drops to his knees preventing himself from doing anything ther than blocking a shot.

I want to see a goalie assess each situation and react accordingly not just stake out a position fall to his kness then cross his fingers. Crawford is too predictable, everyone knows what he'll do before he does. Just skate in on him and when he drops to his knees shoot high preferably to his glove side. Earlier in the year he didn't always commit first, he relied on using his mind, senses, positioning and athleticism. Now he immediately and mindlessly drops to his knees preventing himself from doing anything ther than blocking a shot.
- paulr

No shoot outs in the playoff's

I may well be, I was alive for two Hawk Stanley cups!
- paulr

Same here.

For the record, Razor

I love watching everyone defend these guys like its your kids trying to make a traveling team. CC has holes and inconsistencies, Razor has a bionic hip which is one loose screw from blowing up. Play great team D in front of them, take pressure off them and play usual good puck possession O and we should be fine.

The song was Girl keeps coming apart ...

The line ....

So there she was
Buns up and kneelin'
I was a wheelin' and a dealin'
My ace in the hole so to speak"
- paulr

Oh the song I was thinking of was cosmic debris. I think that was the title

I love watching everyone defend these guys like its your kids trying to make a traveling team. CC has holes and inconsistencies, Razor has a bionic hip which is one loose screw from blowing up. Play great team D in front of them, take pressure off them and play usual good puck possession O and we should be fine.
- Morganskaner88

This. End of story.