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Crawford or Darling for Game 3? Coach Q won’t say (yet)

Chicago Blackhawks v Philadelphia Flyers

Chicago Blackhawks v Philadelphia Flyers

Len Redkoles

If Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville knows which goalie he’s going to start for Game 3 against the Nashville Predators after another rough outing for Corey Crawford, he’s not telling.

For now, he’s just saying “we’ll see.”

Looking at recent history alone, it would seem to point in Scott Darling’s favor. While Crawford has the Stanley Cup on his resume, Darling was perfect in relief in Game 1 while Crawford’s been ... not.

It’s not just these past two games against the Predators (in which he’s allowed nine goals in four periods), either. As Liam McHugh notes, Crawford has allowed 3+ goals in his last eight postseason starts:

The Blackhawks might be a little lucky in some ways to head back to Chicago with their series tied 1-1 against Nashville, but there’s only so much that can sugarcoat a 6-2 loss.

Whether he goes with Crawford or Darling, it would be surprising if Quenneville deems the decision as “easy” as his choice was for Game 2, though. (As Keith Jones said, it’s a “brainer.”)