The Future of The Blackhawks Crease Breaks a Corey Crawford Record: Appreciation Post After His First NHL Win

Just two nights ago when Soderblom took the crease against the Buffalo Sabres he made 16-high danger scoring chance saves, the last goaltender to do so? Corey Crawford! A true star in the making!

In his 5th NHL appearance, and 3rd start (once last season, and once last week in Buffalo), the IceHogs turned Blackhawks regular made 32 saves, including at least one for the highlight reels, to allow his team the opportunity to take down the Kings. His calm demeanor - a stark alternative to Stalock's phrenetic style - could be misleading, and misread as slow, but as soon as the puck came near him, it was easy to see he was the exact opposite.

He was always ready for anything; just there, in position, calculating his next move effortlessly. Granted, when you have to slide across the crease, being 6'3" is definitely an asset. But it still takes skill to make that kind of save, which this young star did when it was needed most. His teammates returned the favor by scoring in OT, winning the game 2-1.

The 23 year old credited his saves to just feeling good all day, right from morning skate.

That feeling carried him up to and through the entire game, and his poise was noticed by more than just the fans.

«[He was] way calmer than me,» Richardson said. «[With] his ability to stay cool and make a big back-door save, like he did late in the third period, he doesn't just throw himself and do that. He responds and controls his body and seals the post so there's no rebound... He's just going to get better at his craft.»

Even with such praise, the Swedish superstar will head back to Rockford as soon as Chicago's two regular starters return. Stalock is still in concussion protocol, but Mrázek could be slated to rejoin his team within a week. I'm sure the IceHogs will be very glad to have him back.

However, there is no doubt that his future with the franchise will be in the NHL.