Corey Crawford will make his first start in nearly three weeks when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday at Nationwide Arena, reports Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times.
Crawford has been out since March 14 with an apparent head injury. He returned to the ice a week ago, participating in practice drills with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite before seeing time in practice later in the week.
The 31-year-old netminder has posted a career-best 35-18-4 record with a 2.32 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in 57 games this season. His seven shutouts lead the league, while he is tied for third in wins and third in save percentage. Prior to the injury, he allowed 11 goals in his last three starts.
Backup goaltender Scott Darling has held down the net in Crawford’s absence. He went 6-3-2, giving up two goals or fewer in six of his 11 starts.