Crawford nursed a groing injury during the preseaon and Joel Quenneville said he wanted to utilize the extended break ahead of hosting the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center on Thursday so the Hawks No. 1 goalie didn't have to worry about the injurying recurring.

"We had the luxury of the scheduling this week to make sure with the added days that we don't have to keep dealing with this and get it right," said Quenneville, whose team is in a stretch of four off days in between games. "He's doing well. Right now we anticipate him getting on the ice [Wednesday] and he should be alright."

Crawford's teammates are looking forward to getting him back as well as the quiet confidence he brings.

"I've played with different goalies and as a defenseman I've always like the goalies that stay flat," veteran Sean O'Donnell said. "I don't know Corey that well, but it seems like you never know whether or not he got a shutout or just let in six goals and for a goalie for longevity that's a good thing to have and that certainly is a very calming thing on your team."

Quenneville said Viktor Stalberg (knee) and Ben Smith (concussion) also made progress with their respective injuries. Stalberg skated on his own today and Quenneville told reporters Smith seemed to turn a corner in his recovery. Both sustained their injuries in a preseason game Sept. 28.

"[Smith] looked as good as I've seen him lately," Quenneville said. "He says he skated well and he looked like he had the pace ... so he's really progressing."