Scott Darling To Start In Goal Again For Blackhawks In Game 4
(CBS) The Blackhawks will start Scott Darling in goal again in Game 4 against the Predators on Tuesday after he was steady in leading Chicago to a 4-2 win in Game 3, according to multiple reports.
The team's backup, Darling stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced Sunday as he got the nod in place of Corey Crawford. Darling has both wins for Chicago in the first-round series, which it leads 2-1. Crawford took the lone loss in Game 2.
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Darling stopped all 42 shots he faced in Game 1 in relief of Crawford, who has allowed nine goals on 47 shots in the series.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Darling's stellar play eased his decision making.
"Very deserving," Quenneville said of Darling getting the start in Game 4. "I think it was an easy choice."
He also cited Darling's ability to keep his cool as one of his biggest assets in the net.
"He doesn't get rattled, he doesn't change his demeanor," Quenneville said. "No matter what the situation is, he's got a smile on his face. Good story."
Darling said it's a different feeling when you're looked upon as a starter.
"It's definitely different," Darling said. "The first time, I didn't have to think about it or get too nervous. But also, when you know you're going to play, you can get prepared and make sure you're 100 percent ready to go beforehand."
In the regular season, Crawford was 32-20-5 with a 2.27 goals against average and .924 save percentage. Darling was 9-4-0 with a 1.95 goals against average and .936 save percentage.