Dec 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) fails to make a save against Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (not pictured) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Crawford is Injured!

The Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers are squaring off tonight at the United Center. The Blackhawks were coming in on a three game losing streak and were hoping to right the ship against the lowly Panthers. The Blackhawks took an early lead on two Power Play goals by Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook in the first period.

Corey Crawford had not seen much action until midway through the period. Crawford went down to make a save and did not get up. Crawford had to be helped off the ice by the team trainer. He was taken directly to the locker room. The speculation is that it is a lower body injury. It could be a groin or knee injury. Antti Raanta has replaced Crawford in the game. Raanta is 2-0-1 on the season.

Crawford joins Jonathan Quick and Sergei Bobrovsky as injured starting goal tenders in the NHL. Crawford record coming into tonight’s game was 17-6-3 with a 2.49 goal against on the season. The Panthers put on four shots on Crawford in the first period. They had seven shots total in the period. Hopefully the Crawford injury is not serious and he does not have to miss an extended period of time.

Update: 7:20pm

It’s officially a lower-body injury for Corey Crawford. He will not return tonight. #Blackhawks — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) December 9, 2013

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