Blackhawks 2019-20 midseason grades: Goaltenders

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If there’s one positive to take away from the first half of the season, it’s the goaltending tandem of Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner. Because it's exactly what the Blackhawks envisioned.

The Blackhawks have given up 30.3 scoring chances per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 and 12.8 high-danger chances, both of which rank 30th, according to Natural Stat Trick.

And yet, the Blackhawks have a team 5-on-5 save percentage of .924, which is good for eighth in the NHL. Crawford and Lehner have been terrific.

Crawford’s best stretch came in November, when he put up a .925 save percentage in nine appearances. For the season, he’s 6-11-2 with a 3.20 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and one shutout.

Lehner has been lights out all season. He’s 9-6-4 with a 2.86 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, which ranks seventh among all goaltenders.

Lehner has also saved his team 10.9 goals above average in all situations. Only three other goaltenders with more starts than Lehner have a better rate.

It's difficult to imagine where the Blackhawks would be without Crawford and Lehner as their goaltending duo.

"Obviously I want to try to get as much ice time as I can," Crawford said. "But when you have another goalie that's playing so well, why not just go back and forth? It's working right now, so can't complain."

Grade: A

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