Chicago Blackhawks: Much Hinges on Corey Crawford's Groin Injury

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot riding on the health of Corey Crawford.

Right now it looks like keeping both competitors for the backup job in net was a sound move.

Chicago hosts the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night at the United Center. Who patrols the pipes is up in the air to say the least.

Crawford is nursing an injury.

Ray Emery has been out with the flu.

Alexander Salak has been recalled from Rockford.

Who tends goal Thursday night?

Crawford, who signed an extension early in the offseason, is the starting goalie. Make no mistake about that. The concern lies in the most immediate of futures. Namely, the last two games of Chicago's brief home stand.

Following Thursday's game with the Jets, the 'Hawks have a hot Saturday night date with the defending champion Boston Bruins. As is usually the case in injury matters, not a lot of definite answers are flying out of Chicago's front office.

The puck got rolling Monday when Crawford sat out practice. Word from the team was "nothing serious." With Emery out with the flu, the 'Hawks had to call in a college student to take on the practice workload.

Apparently there were two days worth of "nothing serious", because Crawford sat out Tuesday before returning to practice Wednesday. He told Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com that he sat out due to an injury sustained in the opening weekend with Dallas.

He said it was unrelated to the groin injury he sustained at the end of training camp, adding that he and the team would make a decision Thursday regarding the Jets game. Salak was called up Wednesday morning, setting up the following scenario.

If what I gather is correct, Crawford will play unless he can't. Emery will start in his place unless he still feels sick, in which case Salak will get the start.

No reason for any confusion at all, right?

The last thing anyone wants to see is Crawford going down with what could then develop to be a chronic condition this season in a non-conference match up. With that in mind, it's probably best if we get a look at the depth in goal this weekend.

This is why we signed Emery if we take the team at their word. Crawford's dinged up, Emery starts a game or two, Crawford comes back. No problem. If Emery can't go, well, that's why Salak got a one-way contract from GM Stan Bowman.

Injuries are a given in hockey. The 'Hawks made it a point to have a capable backup in net. Now is an early chance for the team to show belief in their own judgement.