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NHL Playoffs: 5 reasons the Chicago Blackhawks could repeat

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) kisses the Stanley Cup trophy during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) kisses the Stanley Cup trophy during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

#2: Corey Crawford

On a Blackhawks team that features a likely Selke Trophy finalist in Toews and the likely Art Ross Trophy winner in Patrick Kane, the team’s most valuable player is the goaltender Corey Crawford. With their offseason departures, Chicago showed faith in their netminder that has helped lead them to two Stanley Cups and Crawford has rewarded the Blackhawks for that faith with a season that could see him win the Vezina Trophy.

In 57 appearances this season, Crawford has a league-high seven shutouts. He also has a .926 save percentage, which is tied for his career-best and, as of March 29, is third in the league. Crawford has typically not faced too many shots on goal during his career, but this season he has faced the fifth-most shots on goal in the league as of March 29. His 35 wins are a career-high. Crawford must recover from a reported head injury if the Blackhawks want to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Crawford, like all of the NHL’s elite goaltenders, gives his team an excellent chance of winning on a consistent basis. That’s all you can ask for from your goalie in the playoffs. He is more important to their success than he has been in the past, but this season he has proven that he is up for the challenge.

Next: #1: Joel Quenneville

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