Patrick Kane Is Taking Slap Shots Again
(CBS) Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane took slap shots at Tuesday morning's skatearound, another step in his rehab for a broken left collarbone that he suffered on Feb. 24.
Since then, Kane has missed 18 games and hadn't been allowed to shoot slap shots until Tuesday. His initial timeline for a return was mid-May -- which wouldn't be until a potential berth in the Western Conference Final -- but judging from the Blackhawks' words, an earlier return is possible.
"He's progressing real well," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said, according to the Tribune. "Every day it seems like he's getting a little stronger. His skating has always been fine, he's handling the puck extremely well. It's good signs every day seeing the progress."
Kane hasn't been cleared for contact yet, so that's the last major hurdle to clear. Asked last week if Kane could return sooner than mid-May, Quenneville responded "We'll see" with a smile.
Chicago has just three regular-season games left, including tonight's at the United Center against Minnesota. The Blackhawks finish the regular season Saturday, and the playoffs will start next week.
In other Blackhawks news, center Brad Richards will miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury but will be back for the playoffs, the Tribune reported. Forward Kyle Baun will also make his NHL debut tonight for Chicago, the Tribune reported.