Darling Gets Another Nod In Goal, Even With Crawford Healthy
(CBS) Scott Darling will make his third straight start in goal for the Blackhawks tonight when they face the Senators, according to multiple reports, even with starter Corey Crawford proclaiming himself healthy.
Darling has allowed just one goal in each of his first two NHL contests, which Chicago split. He has a .966 save percentage.
"(Darling) came into our organization and out of camp kind of was a big surprise for us," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "He gives us some size, presence, looks square, looks confident, very comfortable (and) handles the puck well. (He's) coming off two nice starts for us. It's been a good story for us so far."
Crawford told reports at the morning skate in Ottawa that, "I feel really good, 100 percent right now" after missing five games with an upper-body injury. Reserve goalie Antti Raanta started the first three games with Crawford out. Raanta has a 2.03 goals against average and a .933 save percentage.
Quenneville added that the Blackhawks don't intend on carrying three goalies for much longer, and the Tribune reported that Raanta could be the odd man out and be sent back to Rockford in the AHL.
Raanta wouldn't have to clear waivers to be sent down to Rockford, according to multiple reports.