Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Quenneville: Crawford needs to be better

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville agreed with his goaltender Corey Crawford’s self-evaluation after Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues.

“He said he needs to be better, and he needs to be better,” Quenneville said at the United Center on Sunday.

Crawford called himself out after the Blackhawks lost to the Blues 4-3 in overtime in Game 2 in St. Louis on Saturday. Crawford allowed a power-play goal which tied the game with 6.4 seconds remaining in the third period and then gave up the game-winner at 5:50 of overtime.

It was the second consecutive game the Blues scored in the final two minutes of the third period to tie the game and then won it in overtime.

“I obviously have to find a way to make that save, and our guys need me to make a save at the end, too,” Crawford said Saturday. “Really frustrating being up and losing the lead two games in a row in the last couple minutes. That’s pretty much not acceptable. We’re not going to win if I’m going to play like that. Just got to be better.”

Crawford has allowed four goals in each game of the series. He has stopped 75-of-83 total shots for a .906 save percentage. With the teams at even strength, he’s saved 53 shots on 60 chances for a .883 save percentage.

Crawford was praised by Quenneville and his teammates for his play in Game 1. He made 48 saves on 52 shots. In Game 2, Crawford made 27 saves on 31 shots. He saved 17-of-20 shots at even strength, 9-of-10 from the power play and 1-of-1 with the Blues shorthanded.

Quenneville recently complimented Crawford for his ability to move on from good or bad results. Crawford thought that approach was key again after Game 2.

“Get some rest, try to forget about that, try not to be frustrated about that,” Crawford said Saturday. “That first shift of the next game is the most important thing right now.”

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