NHL Trade Rumors: Chicago Blackhawks Should Put Their Faith in Corey Crawford

The Chicago Blackhawks have the salary cap space to trade for a goalie to save their season. Stan Bowman could make a panic deal before the deadline to sure up Chicago's net. Or, he could hold the course of action he started last spring when he secured a young netminder for three seasons.

Bowman should keep his faith in Corey Crawford.

The Blackhawks' sophomore goalie has certainly had an up-and-down season thus far. From the highs of October to the lows of December to a pair of horrible starts on the recently-finished road trip, middle ground has been hard to find.

Five goal disappointments in losses to Edmonton and San Jose prompted Ray Emery to get another crack at starting a run of games. Unlike in December when Emery reeled off seven straight wins, the backup lost four straight starts. Joel Quenneville gave Crawford the keys to the net in hopes that his starter could get his game straightened out.

Over three games at least, Corey has gotten his groove back.

Crawford has retreated into his crease and been a force in each of Chicago's three wins last week. Setting up further back and limiting forays away from the net, he has stopped 84 of 88 shot attempts in victories over the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Blues.

In the 'Hawks 2-1 comeback win over St. Louis, Crawford was at his best, keeping Chicago in the game and out dueling Brian Elliot. Chicago was able to rally and win a low-scoring affair.

I think it is important that the team stands by its goalie this week by not going for the quick, temporary attempt at a fix. Sure, Chicago could try to snag a hot goalie like Jean-Sebastian Giguere or Evgeni Nabokov. However, that may not accomplish anything other than eroding the confidence of a player who figures to be in Chicago for two seasons following this one.

Bringing in Giguere or Nabokov doesn't seem to carry a lot of long-term gain for the Blackhawks. Nabokov has played well this season, but lacks the playoff pedigree you'd like to see heading down the stretch.

Giguere is also having a nice season, but is signed for next season as well as 2012. It's also worth noting that both players are in their mid-30s. Giguere is nursing a groin injury. Nabokov is battling the flu and may not be available until the end of the week.

Unless Bowman plans on shipping Crawford out of town and installing a bigger name in the net as his long-term plan, I think he ought to stand pat in net. If Crawford is your long-term starter, he deserves the opportunity to carry the workload much like he did last spring.