Chicago Blackhawks: Is Corey Crawford's 'Upper Body' Injury a Concussion?

The Chicago Blackhawks are notoriously secretive concerning injuries to players. The organization isn't going to make it easy on us to gauge goalie Corey Crawford's status for the immediate future. All we know is that he is day-to-day with an upper body injury.

Does that mean Crawford is suffering from a concussion?

In NHL.com's game preview for Chicago's Sunday contest with Los Angeles, Ray Emery has been announced as the starter in net for the injured Crawford. You know who else is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury? Steve Montador, who has not played in almost a year now with what we all know is stemming from concussion issues.

Is Crawford's status similar to Montador who, aside from a brief and ill-advised return last spring, hasn't skated in a game since Feb. 7, 2012? The 'Hawks brass is a firm believer of the "loose lips sink ships" policy, so speculation is all we have to go on.

That, and the following events which we know to be true:

• In the third period of Tuesday's loss to Anaheim, Brent Seabrook knocked Ducks forward Bobby Ryan into the crease, where he plowed into Crawford. Chicago's primary netminder was momentarily down, but finished the remainder of the contest.
• Crawford continued to practice until after Thursday's workout, when, according to coach Joel Quenneville, he "didn't feel great," as per Scott Powers of ESPNChicago.com.
• Crawford did not participate in Friday's morning skate before Chicago's 4-1 over the San Jose Sharks. That's when the 'Hawks announced that Henrik Karlsson had been recalled to back up Emery.

Quenneville couldn't put a finger on the catalyst for the injury when it was announced, saying: 

"

I don't know if it was that (the collision) or from practice. I don't know if it was a defining blow.

"

It seems logical that if Crawford had suffered an injury, it could very well have come from the collision with Ryan. Concussion symptoms may not have developed for a day or two. Perhaps it was exacerbated in practice.

It may not even be a concussion.

Regardless, Crawford is out again for Chicago's rematch with the Kings. It's unfortunate for a guy who has helped propel the 'Hawks to a big start.

"Day-to-day" obviously means different things regarding different players. Dave Bolland was day-to-day and missed a single game. Montador is still dealing with his "upper body" injury. Let's hope that whatever malady that has Crawford on the shelf is cleared up soon.