Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford to play vs. Islanders

Corey Crawford returns to the net for Chicago, who are tied for 1st in the West with 63 pts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images) Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey

Corey Crawford returns to the net for Chicago, who are tied for 1st in the West with 63 pts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford will start Thursday's game against the New York Islanders on after missing nearly a month with a lower-body injury.

Crawford has not played since Dec. 8 after suffering a reported groin injury. Rookie Antti Raanta started the past 10 games for the Blackhawks, and the team went 7-1-2 in that span.

“I’m excited to start playing again,”

Crawford said via the

Chicago Tribune

. “It has been a little bit too long I’ve played in a lot of these games. It’s more excitement than nerves.

“It has been tough as it’s never fun to be injured. When you can’t (play), it’s pretty boring.”

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