Corey Crawford at 100 percent, Ray Emery to start vs. Winnipeg

By Ben Meyer-Abbott bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com

Twitter: @BMACST

Blackhawks backup goalie Ray Emery will get the start Thursday night at the United Center against the Winnipeg Jets.

No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford missed practice Monday and Tuesday with a lower-body injury before returning to the team Wednesday but said he felt 100 percent and would be ready if called upon.

“Corey’s ready to go, we just want to get Ray playing,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “We want to get him started. It’s nice to get the other guy involved and we’re happy to get him his first start at home as well.”

Emery missed practice Wednesday with the flu but said he was ready to play Thursday night and admitted to still getting butterflies before a start.

“I like being kind of nervous in the there and wanting to do well and having those good nerves going,” Emery said.

Crawford started the final 27 games of last season and the the first two games this year.

“I’m 100 percent, I’m ready to go now,” Crawford said. “Ray’s got to play some games too and he’s a good goalie. I’ll just be focused for if I have to go in or next game.”