Blackhawks' Corey Crawford: Taken off IR

Crawford (illness) is no longer on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

Analysis:

Crawford is rounding out his recovery from an emergency appendectomy performed Dec. 3. The Blackhawks have yet to officially announce a starter for Friday's game against the Avalanche, but various reports have indicated that Crawford could dress for that one. If he needs more time, expect Scott Darling -- who's done credible work with a 10-3-2 record and 2.35 GAA in 17 games -- to continue filling in between the pipes.