Getty Images Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was solid in a 5-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. He’s looking to bounce back after a rough sophomore campaign, but with the condensed schedule Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville will be relying heavily on backup netminder Ray Emery as well.
To that end, Emery will get the nod on Sunday against the Phoenix Coyotes, according to CSN Chicago.
“With the back-to-back games, with six games in nine days, we want to get Ray in a game, get him part of the team right off the bat and get a game under his belt as well,” Quenneville said. “He played well for us when he played for us last year, as well.”
This could be a recurring theme all season as teams look to avoid wearing out their goaltenders. Even still, Quenneville will also ride the hot hand when he thinks its appropriate.
“The way they play dictates how often they play,” Quenneville said. “A lot of decisions come into if they’re playing well and if we need to monitor their rest.”
Like Crawford, Emery is looking to improve after a rough 2011-12 campaign. Emery had a 2.81 GAA and .900 save percentage in 34 games last season.
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“Corey has been great for us all year, all playoffs.”
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It boils down to mistakes of all kinds.
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What a difference one goal makes.
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He played less than three minutes in Game 4.
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“If he sees the puck, he’s going to be almost impossible to beat.”
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His middle name isn’t “Game Over.” We checked.
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It’s now 2-2 after an exciting 6-5 thriller.
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The Bruins won’t give up.
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Video: Bruins, Hawks combine for five goals in 11 minutes during wild second period
Jun 19, 2013, 10:19 PM EDT
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… And there were plenty of other close calls.
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Vancouver Canucks would appreciate the cap space.
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Michal Handzus scores first, Rich Peverley ties it.
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The money part has been settled, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
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In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
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The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
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Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
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Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
