Antti Niemi, Cristobal Huet, Nikolai Khabibulin, Patrick Lalime, Adam Munro, Craig Anderson, Sebastien Caron, Brian Boucher. Those are all the other goaltenders that played for the Blackhawks from 2005 to 2010. All played multiple seasons in the NHL, and several produced lengthy NHL careers. For five seasons, Crawford had at least two of those names ahead of him on the organizational depth chart. Despite strong AHL numbers, his path ahead was blocked.
“I thought maybe I could’ve had my chance the summer Huet got signed,” Crawford admitted. “That’s a tough point for a prospect that’s kind of on the bubble between the AHL and NHL, and they signed another veteran guy. It’s tough mentally. I think it’s something hard to get over. You just have to keep pushing or stay in the moment and keep playing hockey. Keep enjoying hockey, working hard, and trying to get better.
“Coaches helped out, Wade Flaherty helped out, Bill Peters, Ted Dent those are guys that really helped me keep pushing to be my best and not to give up. Everyone has a different path, and it would’ve been easy to not play or whine and complain. I’m sure I did that maybe a little bit, as every human does. Overall, I think just keep playing the game hard and enjoy it. Eventually I got my shot.”
In 2010-11, Crawford’s patience paid off when he arrived on the NHL scene in earnest. Crow played 57 games with the Hawks that season and earned NHL All-Rookie Team honors behind a 33-18-6 record, 2.30 goals-against average, and .917 save percentage. His five years in the minor leagues had helped turn him into a bona fide NHL number one goaltender.
“There’s a lot to go through as a professional hockey player,” said Crawford. “A lot of ups and downs to try and stay even keel. To use those good times and bad times to try and get better is important. It was a tough road. It was definitely a grind here and there but a lot of fun at the same time. Some of the best times I’ve had, I’ve had in Rockford. I’m just thankful I got to experience all that.”
Of course, Crawford’s journey didn’t end there. He guided Chicago to Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015, providing an unwavering presence in net. Even on a rare off night, his teammates still remember him as the calm leader that brought a relentless pursuit of victory to the ice.
“You’re just growing as a person, as a player,” said Crawford. “You’re trying to learn to get over bad goals, bad games.”
Jake…
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