CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 23: Scott Darling #33 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows the action against the Detroit Red Wings during a preseason game at the United Center on September 23, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(CBS) The Blackhawks have sent goalie Scott Darling down to AHL Rockford, they announced late Tuesday night, clearing roster space for starting goalie Corey Crawford, who has been out since injuring his foot at a concert on Dec. 1.
Crawford is expected to return this weekend, and either Darling or Antti Raanta needed to be sent down. Chicago plays at Columbus on Saturday and hosts Toronto on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Darling is 5-2-0 with a .937 save percentage and 1.97 goals against average. He made his NHL debut on Oct. 26.
Raanta is 5-2-0 with a .938 save percentage and 2.01 goals against average.