Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford out vs. Stars, could return next week

The Corey Crawford saga continues to drag on for the Blackhawks. He won’t play Sunday against the Stars and still hasn’t taken the medical tests to return from the concussion that sidelined him in December.

Coach Jeremy Colliton said he thinks Crawford will undergo final evaluation soon but didn’t specify whether that means he’ll return during the upcoming three-game road swing.

“Everyone’s being cautious,” Colliton said. “He’s a very important part of our team, and obviously this isn’t the first one he’s had, so it’s important that we’re sure he’s ready and that he’s sure.”

Crawford will travel for the California trip, which begins Wednesday at Anaheim. He has been out more than two months but has been practicing this month and said more than a week ago that he was healthy enough to play.

Playoff race

The Hawks go into their game against Dallas four points out of the second wild-card spot.

The Avalanche blew out the Predators 5-0 on Saturday to move into a tie with the Stars, the first wild card, at 65 points.

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The Hawks have games left against most of the other five teams battling for the two wild- card spots, including three against Dallas and two against Colorado.

Seabrook up, Jokiharju down

The Hawks seem intent on keeping rookie defenseman Henri Jokiharju in the AHL the rest of the season and sent him back to Rockford after a brief call-up. He filled in Friday against the Avalanche because Brent Seabrook and Carl Dahlstrom were out.

Seabrook (abdominal strain) missed three games but was on the ice for optional practice Saturday and is expected to play Sunday.