Crawford plays well for the Blackhawks in his first match since December



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CHICAGO – Corey CrawfordThe excitement was temperate, it's the least we can say.

[Récapitulatifdujeu:[GAMERECAP:[Récapitulatifdujeu:[GAMERECAP:Crawford returns, Blackhawks lose to Coyotes]

Crawford was playing his first game since December 23, 2017 because of a concussion. He made 27 saves for the Chicago Blackhawks in a 4-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. He said that he felt better as the game went on, but that the result was more important than his performance.

"I do not know if there's a bigger picture than winning hockey games," Crawford said. "It's our goal every time we go out there."

Crawford may not have been enthusiastic about his return, but the Blackhawks have been.

Video: ARI @ CHI: Crawford denies Grabner twice

"It's the one that's really positive, with [Crawford], how he played well, "said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. I thought he was in control, he managed the puck around the net, his movement was excellent, he expected, he was above his dangerous looks. He kept us in the game. Unfortunately, we did not benefit. "

Although Crawford missed the last 47 games of last season and the top five this season, it did not look rusty. He faced 12 shots in the first half and gave a goal when the Coyotes attacked Lawson Crouse scored a 2-on-1 with Clayton Keller to give the Coyotes a 1-0 lead at 11:43. As Crawford left the ice for the first intermission, the Blackhawks greeted him with punches.

Crawford made his biggest stop with the Blackhawks, led 2-1 at 4:02 of the third period. Michael Grabner in breakaway. But after a turnover by the Blackhawks Chris KunitzKeller scored on a wrist shot to bring the score to 3-1 at 14:22.

"I felt better in second and third places," Crawford said. "It was a difficult break at the end, but I felt that I should have stopped it. [Keller] a. I mean, we were there, we created a lot, and I (must) try to propose it. Just forget it and worry about the next game. "

Quenneville says he'll see what Crawford feels Friday, but expects him to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday (7 pm ET, FS-O, WGN, NHL.TV) or against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.

"It's almost to be expected", center Jonathan Toews I said. "He's coming in, he's so confident and relaxed and he's just playing hockey, he looks alike and I think it's a good sign, I did not know when it would happen, so it's great." That happens at the beginning of the season, it's fun to watch him play well and come back, no matter what, tonight. "

Video: ARI @ CHI: Crawford closes his tablets on Grabner

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