The Chicago Blackhawks placed starting goaltender Corey Crawford on injured reserve Friday, the team announced. In a corresponding move, Chicago recalled Jean-François Berube from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Crawford’s status isn’t expected to be a long-term issue.
Hearing week to week on Crawford. He’ll miss some time, but not long-term.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) December 1, 2017
Based on the NHL’s injured reserve rule, he’ll have to sit out at least one week. He played 60 minutes, 51 seconds Thursday and made 31 saves during the Hawks’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Stars at the United Center.
Cristiano Simonetta may have found out when Crawford was injured during Thursday’s game.
There was a point in the third period where Corey Crawford was slow to get back on his skates after moving from left to right. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/OfmxMIEJyl
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 1, 2017
While the play moved down to the Stars end, Crawford leaned on his leg to get back up. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/CQ4OH48of4
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 1, 2017
Here’s the full extension by Crawford. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/mhzs42j3oF
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 1, 2017
Crawford is 11-7-2 with a 2.29 goals-against average, seventh in the league. He’s tied for fourth with a .930 save percentage.
Anton Forsberg will likely start in net for the Hawks’ game Saturday in Dallas, as Chicago completes a home-and-home series against the Stars. The 25-year-old netminder is 1-2-2 with a 3.67 GAA and .904 save percentage in seven games in his first season with Chicago. Forsberg was acquired in June in the Brandon Saad-Artemi Panarin trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Three days after the trade, Forsberg signed a two-year contract with Chicago.
Berube, 26, is 6-6-0 with a 2.54 GAA, .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 12 games with the IceHogs this season. In 21 career NHL games the past two seasons with the New York Islanders, he’s 3-2-2. Berube will likely start Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings in Chicago.