Crawford set to return for Blackhawks

CHICAGO – Corey Crawford is healthy once again for the Chicago Blackhawks and will get the start on Sunday night at United Center against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Ray Emery started three straight games while Crawford sat out with an upper-body injury and also drew the start in Friday night's NHL-record setting 2-1 victory against the San Jose Sharks – which pushed Chicago's unprecedented start to 17 straight games with at least one point earned.

Emery has the hot hand, but Crawford was also outstanding before getting hurt – posting a line of 7-0-0 with a 1.65 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.

"Corey was going very well there, too, prior to getting injured, so it's good to have both guys back," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “We've got back-to-back games. We're just looking at [Sunday's] game. It's good to have Corey back and Ray did an excellent job, like our goaltending has all year."

Crawford was most likely injured late in the third period of a shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 12 at United Center – when forward Bobby Ryan rushed to the net and wound up being flipped over Crawford in the crease.

He was on the bench backing up Emery against the Sharks on Friday and said before the game that he felt fully recovered from whatever the injury was. Crawford also said his timing was quickly returning in practice sessions.

"I'm 100 percent," Crawford said. "I had a pretty good practice [last week] and I felt even better [Friday] on the timing. I feel ready."