Scott Darling to start Game 4 for Blackhawks against Predators

CHICAGO --Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling was named the Game 4 starter against the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference first-round series.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville also chose Darling over Corey Crawford, who had been the No. 1 starter throughout the regular season, for Game 3. Darling made 35 saves in the Blackhawks' 4-2 win over the Predators in Game 3 on Sunday. Quenneville waited until Monday to announce his Game 4 starter.

"It's tough to make a change when you like everything about the game, and he's played so well and very deserving," Quenneville said. "I think it was an easy choice."

Darling originally earned the Game 3 start based on his and Crawford's playoff performances. Crawford was pulled from Game 1 after he allowed three goals on 12 shots in the first period and then allowed six goals in Game 2. It was the most goals Crawford had allowed in consecutive games this season. Darling relieved Crawford in Game 1 and stopped all 42 shots he faced while the Blackhawks overcame a 3-0 deficit and won 4-3 in double overtime.

Darling, a rookie, was appreciative of a second consecutive start.

"I'm just happy to be in goal so far, and I'm just happy to be a part of it," Darling said Monday.

Crawford spoke Monday for the first time since being replaced by Darling. Crawford said he has worked to be supportive of Darling and make the best of a tough situation.

"Not going to lie, it was pretty frustrating at first," said Crawford after participating in an optional practice at Johnny's IceHouse West. "I want to be in the net and I want to play. Always did and I always will, but that's not my job right now. Right now my job is to battle hard in practice, be positive in the room and encourage the guys.

"Scott's an awesome guy. He's gone through a lot to get here and he's been playing awesome. How can you not feel good for him? He's been great and I'll just keep pushing him to be at his best."

Crawford said he is more prepared now to deal with such a situation than he was earlier in his career. He had started 57 consecutive playoff games for the Blackhawks prior to Game 3. He helped the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup in 2013.

"I've gone through a lot of things so far in my career especially in our playoff run when we won," Crawford said. "There's a lot that you have to go through mentally as a goalie in this league, as a starter in this league. It's just another thing I think will only make me stronger going forward."

The Blackhawks lead the series 2-1. Game 4 will be in Chicago on Tuesday.