Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was absent from practice on Monday. Crawford has a minor lower back injury, which could quite possibly be related to a groin injury he was dealing with at the end of training camp. Head coach Joel Quenneville said Crawford is fine and should be back at practice today.

Arizona State goalie Scott Czarnik took drills in his place. Czarnik attends Hawks' goalie coach Stephane Waite's camp and was in town on break from ASU. In related news, forward Ben Smith returned to practice on Monday after missing the last several days due to a concussion he suffered in preseason. The 'Hawks continue a three-game homestand on Thursday evening against the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center.