Blackhawks say G Crawford is cleared to play

[October 02, 2018]  Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford participated in practice on Monday for the first time in nearly eight months as he continues his recovery from a concussion.

Coach Joel Quenneville told reporters that Crawford has been medically cleared to play and will travel with the team for season-opening games against the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues. Chicago opens the season in Ottawa on Oct. 4.

Quenneville told Chicago reporters that development isn't meant to say Crawford will play on the trip. Offseason acquisition Cam Ward is expected to receive the season-opening assignment.

Monday's practice was a step up in terms of Crawford's eventual return to action, however.

"It was a good first day for him getting shots and getting in the middle of the practice and seeing shots with traffic and bodies and pushing, and I thought he looked real good," Quenneville told reporters after practice. "It was a good sign."

Quenneville said the next task is getting Crawford "game ready."

However, Crawford didn't seem to feel he has been cleared when speaking to reporters.

"I'm still not 100 percent clear but it is almost there," Crawford said. "We're pretty close."

Crawford, 33, quickly shut down a question inquiring whether he is still experiencing symptoms.

"We're not going to talk about that," Crawford said.

As for the practice session -- his first since Feb. 12 -- Crawford was optimistic about taking a step forward.
 

"That went really well today," Crawford said. "We'll see how tomorrow goes and then have a better idea."

Crawford last played in a game on Dec. 23 and the Blackhawks placed Crawford on injured reserve on Dec. 27 with what was termed an "upper-body injury."

In mid-September, Crawford revealed that his injury was a concussion and that he was still experiencing the effects 8 1/2 months later.

The two-time All-Star was 16-9-2 with a 2.27 goals-against average last season prior to the injury.

--Field Level Media

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