Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010
12:16 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
Patrick Kane looked like he hasnt missed much of a beat as he skated this morning at the United Center. And while the Chicago Blackhawks wing wont play tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, he could be back Friday.
Kane, who went down with what appeared to be a left ankle injury against Calgary on Dec. 5, is hoping to play Friday when the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings.
(Friday) is a possibility, he said after participating in this mornings pregame skate. Ive really got to see how I am in practice and (Friday) pregame skate and make a decision then. Personally, Id love to be playing tonight but its not realistic. Friday, well see.
Kanes been sidelined about 10 days, but for a player whos not used to missing any time, its seemed longer.
It feels like its been a month or two, said Kane. I think theres a lot more time on your hands than you realize, especially when the boys left town, no one to hang out with. It was a long weekend, so Im glad to see them back.
Meanwhile, Dave Bolland (upper body) was skating again this morning and will play tonight. Corey Crawford, who came in relief against Colorado on Monday, will start tonight.
NHL
Rebounding
The Blackhawks defense didnt have a great night on Monday. Brent Seabrook, who was a minus-4 in that 7-5 loss to Colorado, said he and the rest of the defensemen will find their niche again.
We gave them a lot of chances and they capitalized. We got off our game. Myself, I felt like I played awful with giveaways, turnovers. Seabrook said. We played well over last 10-12 games, so theres no reason why we wont bounce back tonight.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Mondays game was about the group of defensemen, not just Seabrook and Duncan Keith.
We need to be better in that area, he said. (Scoring) five goals puts us in position to win a hockey game. As a group the defense can be better. We should all absorb some responsibility. The six of them have to be more focused.
Other injuries
Marian Hossa did not skate today, although Quenneville said he has been out there the past few days. He will not play tonight.
Well get him back on the ice and get a better idea (of when he plays), Quenneville said.
Fernando Pisani, who suffered an upper-body injury against Anaheim on Nov. 26, did skate this morning but said he will not play tonight.
Its just an injury that takes time, he said. Im just focusing on getting better every day right now and its coming along pretty good.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.