Hawks to introduce Turco Aug 31st

[Captain Iago]

I've read that the biggest reason they went with Niemi over Crawford was because Niemi had to pass through waivers to go to the minors and they didn't want to lose one of their three goalies.

Even though I do not attend camps to see with my own eyes, I don't buy this. I mean we're talking a team being scared to run a backup goalie (who was an undrafted free agent) through waivers? I have a hard time with this. While it may have been close, Niemi beat out Crawford for the backup job.

 

[RandallPinkFloyd42]

If it indeed was that close, I can understand them not wanting to run him through waivers. They wanted to have Crawford at the ready if he was needed which was a couple times this season.

 

[stormbolter73]

My contacts within the Icehogs org. told me that the big reason for Crawf not making the team was really a combo of the waiver situation and the fact that, at the time, Crawf was still dealing with a nagging groin injury that he later was given a bit over a month to fully heal (about mid season). There were about 4-5 other teams going after Niemi when he was unsigned, the Red Wings being at the top of that list, so they had a strong feeling that Niemi was not going to pass through and it was safer to use him, let Crawf go to the AHL again and get his injury taken care of.

THe year before, I though Crawford was better when they were spliting time in Rockford but it was a thin margin. All things being equal, it probably was pretty much a push but with the waiver situation and understanding of each players physical condition, Niemi got the edge.

 

[RandallPinkFloyd42]

My contacts within the Icehogs org. told me that the big reason for Crawf not making the team was really a combo of the waiver situation and the fact that, at the time, Crawf was still dealing with a nagging groin injury that he later was given a bit over a month to fully heal (about mid season). There were about 4-5 other teams going after Niemi when he was unsigned, the Red Wings being at the top of that list, so they had a strong feeling that Niemi was not going to pass through and it was safer to use him, let Crawf go to the AHL again and get his injury taken care of.

THe year before, I though Crawford was better when they were spliting time in Rockford but it was a thin margin. All things being equal, it probably was pretty much a push but with the waiver situation and understanding of each players physical condition, Niemi got the edge.

Perfect explanation.

 

[Capt. Serious]

Turcs & Crawf will probably room together on the road.

 

[Captain Iago]

I'm checking out the presser now and Turco...came super close to calling our team the Chicago Blackfucks.:rofl: