Corey Crawford, a goaltender hailing from Châteauguay, Quebec, became an integral part of the Chicago Blackhawks' roster during his professional hockey career. Drafted 52nd overall by the Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Crawford spent several years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Norfolk Admirals and later the Rockford IceHogs. His time in the AHL was marked by steady improvement, which eventually paved the way for his transition to the NHL.
Crawford's NHL debut came during the 2005-2006 season, but it wasn't until the 2010-2011 season that he secured his position as the Blackhawks' starting goaltender. That season, he played 57 games, posting a 33-18-6 record with a 2.30 goals-against average (GAA) and a .917 save percentage. His performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and he finished fourth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie.
The 2012-2013 season was a standout year for Crawford and the Blackhawks. Despite the season being shortened due to a lockout, Crawford shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with teammate Ray Emery, awarded to the goaltenders on the team with the fewest goals scored against them. That same season, Crawford played a crucial role in leading the Blackhawks to their second Stanley Cup in four years. His stellar performance in the playoffs, including a 16-7 record and a .932 save percentage, was instrumental in the team's success.
Crawford's consistency between the pipes continued to be a cornerstone for the Blackhawks. In the 2014-2015 season, he once again helped guide the team to Stanley Cup glory. His playoff performance was marked by a 13-6 record and a .924 save percentage, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable goaltender in high-pressure situations.
Throughout his career, Crawford was known for his calm demeanor and ability to remain composed under pressure. His style of play was characterized by strong positioning and quick reflexes, which allowed him to make crucial saves during critical moments of the game. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being a clutch performer, particularly in the postseason.
Injuries, however, were a recurring challenge for Crawford. He faced several setbacks, including concussions, which limited his playing time in the later years of his career. Despite these challenges, he remained a vital part of the Blackhawks' lineup when healthy, continuing to deliver strong performances.
Crawford's career statistics reflect his contributions to the Blackhawks' success. Over 488 regular-season games, he amassed a record of 260-162-53, with a 2.45 GAA and a .918 save percentage. In the playoffs, he appeared in 96 games, achieving a 52-42 record with a 2.38 GAA and a .918 save percentage.
In December 2020, Crawford announced his retirement from professional hockey. His decision came after signing with the New Jersey Devils in the offseason, though he never played a game for the team. Crawford's retirement marked the end of a remarkable career that saw him become one of the most reliable goaltenders in the NHL during his tenure.
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