Chicago Blackhawks' Corey Crawford placed on IR after appendectomy

Standout goaltender Corey Crawford was placed on injured reserve by the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from an emergency appendectomy.

The move was retroactive to Dec. 3, the day Crawford became ill prior to an afternoon game and underwent surgery at a Philadelphia hospital.

Crawford is expected to resume hockey activities in two-to-three weeks.

The 31-year-old Crawford was off to a fine start with a 12-6-2 record, 2.27 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 20 games.

He won 30 or more games in five of the previous six seasons with his GAA ranging from 1.94 to 2.72.

Scott Darling served as Chicago's goalkeeper the past two games, allowing five goals in two defeats.