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Crawford out vs. Flyers; Coburn a game-time decision

    by Sam Carchidi
    Published 

CHICAGO _ Corey Crawford, the Blackhawks' standout goalie, has an upper-body injury and backup Antti Raanta will be the emergency starter against the Flyers Tuesday night in Chicago.

Crawford's condition flared up Monday night, and he will miss his first game of the season. He has been the key figure in Chicago's 3-0-1 start, compiling a 1.66 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

Raanta, 25, has a 2.71 GAA and .897 goals-against average in 25 career games. In two appearances against the Flyers last year, he was 1-0-1 with a 2.41 GAA and .925 save percentage.

"He's a good goalie and he's going to do the job for them," coach Craig Berube said. "We've got to do what we do _ get pucks to the net, traffic, all the little things. It doesn't really change our mindset too much as to what we want to do."

Claude Giroux has been the Flyers' best performer against Chicago, collecting 10 points _ one goal, nine assists _ in six career games (1.67 per game) vs. the Blackhawks.

Coburn update. Defenseman Braydon Coburn, who has missed the last four game swith an injured left foot, skated at practice Tuesday morning, and Berube said it will be a game-time decision on whether he plays tonight.

"He looked good; he's probably as close as he can get to ready to go," Berube said."So it'll be a game-time decison. Make sure he feels good tonight."

If Coburn plays, there is a chance the Flyers will dress seven defensemen, Berube said. In any event, it appears Andrew MacDonald and Nick Grossmann will remain as the top pairing tonight.

Steve Mason will start for the Flyers (3.78 GAA, .865 save percentage). Mason (0-2-1) is looking for his first win.

Breakaways. Chicago D-man Trevor van Riemsdyk, brother of former Flyer James, will face the Flyers for the first time.....Ex-Flyer Dan Carcillo's fiancee is expecting their first child _ a boy, who will be named Austin _ in November. Carcillo said he has extra incentive because he is playing for a family now...The Flyers play in Pittsbugh on Wednesday at 8 p.m....Berube said he needs Jason Akeson to play a "simple game" and not be so turnover-prone. He is expected to be a healthy scratch again on Tuesday...The Flyers are tied for third in the NHL in scoring (3.40 goals per game) and 28th in goals allowed (3.80 per game).

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.