Redemption For Crawford and Emery

Via: blackhawks.nhl.com

It's been a long, hard road for Chicago's goaltending tandem of Corey Crawford and Ray Emery. Before the summer there was much worry in the Windy City about whether their guys could get it done between the pipes this season after a dreadful end to 2012. They did more than just that, propelling the Blackhawks to first overall and winning the Jennings trophy for fewest goals against.

For Crawford, it's a story of redemption after an underwheming regular season and playoff performance last year. Crawford and Emery fought for the starter's position all season in 2011-12 before an 8-1-2 run by Crawford put him ahead. However his play fell apart during the first round against the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Hawks bowed out after only six games. He finished with a 2.58 goals against average and a .893 save percentage in the playoffs. More importantly, with 5 of those 6 games going to overtime, Crawford couldn't come up with the key save when his team needed it the most.

What a difference a year can make. Splitting starts with Emery in 2013, Crawford was able to pick up 19 wins and 3 shutouts to go along with a sparkling 1.94 goals against average and .926 save percentage. He allowed two goals or less 21 times in 30 games. It was a career year for Crawford who now seems firmly entrenched as the starter after nearly a decade working his way up through the Blackhawks organization.The question remains if he can continue his stellar standard of play in the pressure filled environment of the playoffs, but if his regular season is any indication, he's got a great opportunity to do so.

If Crawford's story is about a man seeking redemption on the ice, then Ray Emery's is certainly one about seeking redemption off it. Emery started his NHL career in 2005-06 with a bang, picking up 9 straight wins for the Ottawa Senators. In his second season, he led the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals but despite his 14 wins, the Senators couldn't defeat the Anaheim Ducks. However, physical altercations, both on and off the ice, his abrasive attitude and serious injury problems eroded not only his game, but his confidence. He spent the next few seasons in purgatory, bouncing around between Russia and the NHL while rehabbing various ailments. This difficult time may have been a blessing in disguise for Emery, as he was forced to put in the effort and persevere in a way he had never done before. The old Ray Emery would have just gotten by on skills alone, but he learned not to take things for granted. All that hard work paid off, and he finally found a home in Chicago.

In 2013, Emery also had a career year to mirror Crawford's. His 1.94 goals against average tied with Crawford for 3rd in the NHL, and and his .922 save percentage was just behind his crease partner's. More importantly, Emery proved to be a good teammate and a valuable piece in helping the Blackhawks win the President's trophy. Also, though he's struggling with a minor lower body injury currently, he's been able to avoid any serious injury. It was a long time coming for Emery, but it seems he's finally regained the form he had early in his career.

So, on the eve of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Hawks are preparing for their series against Minnesota with more confidence in their goaltending then they've had for a few years. Whether Crawford or Emery can be the one to lead Chicago to it's second Cup in four years is yet to be seen, but their amazing regular season and Jennings trophy are proof that both are finally back to where they belong.

Thanks for reading everyone, I'll be back later with a look at the rosters for the IIHF world championships, but with the playoffs starting tomorrow I thought I'd share a gif to get you all pumped up. That's what this is all about right there!