Blackhawks' Crawford says he'll return to crease Thursday vs. Coyotes

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford says he plans to make his long-awaited return between the pipes Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes.

"It feels good to be back to myself," Crawford told ESPN's Emily Kaplan following Wednesday's practice, per Kaplan. "I'm feeling clear."

Head coach Joel Quenneville wasn't quite as definitive when discussing Crawford's return, but said "we expect him to play."

The star netminder hasn't played since Dec. 23, 2017 due to lingering concussion symptoms.

Crawford was enjoying arguably the best season of his career before it was cut short. In 28 games he was 16-9-2 with a .929 save percentage and 2.27 goals-against average.

The Hawks have jumped out to a surprising 3-0-2 start this season despite receiving poor goaltending from veteran Cam Ward.