NHL Playoffs 2012: Corey Crawford Will Be in Net for Game 5

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has made up his mind; Corey Crawford will start in net for Game 5.

It's a decision that will likely draw some ire from fans as Crawford has given up back-to-back soft goals in overtime.

Quenneville said he never really had doubts about Crawford starting Game 5. (via ESPN).

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"I didn't think [about a change] I just didn't announce," Quenneville said after Hawks practice. "We've very comfortable with [Crawford playing]."

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Crawford has played well in this series against the Phoenix Coyotes with his only blemishes coming during the last two games in overtime.

While some might have wanted backup goalie Ray Emery to get the start, choosing Crawford is a sign that Quenneville has complete trust in his starting goaltender.

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"It feels nice to have the coach come back to you after two tough ones like that, but I'm not thinking about that," Crawford said. "First shot [in Game 5] is what's on my mind. & Just going to focus on the present."

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The only question is if Crawford can shake off last game's demoralizing loss at home; if not it looks to be a long night for the Blackhawks.

Tonight's game will be decided not only by goaltending but by offense. The Hawks need to get their core group going and on the scoreboard if they want to have any chance of winning this game.

Crawford doesn't need to be spectacular in tonight's game, he just needs to save the "easy" shots.

If Crawford does that and the Blackhawks' core group shows up, there will be a Game 6.

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