When Corey Crawford missed the second half of last season with a concussion, the Blackhawks found themselves scrambling trying to salvage a playoff push. They used five goaltenders down the stretch, one of which was 36-year-old accountant Scott Foster in an emergency situation.
They're in a much better position this time around, with Cam Ward signing a one-year deal this past summer as a backup but also insurance for this very reason. The Blackhawks also called up Collin Delia to help divide the load as Crawford recovers.
But as the Blackhawks hover near the basement of the Western Conference, it wouldn't be the worst idea to give Delia the majority of the starts going forward because they need to start preparing for life without Crawford — whenever that comes.