McKnight: Hossa Could Miss 'Couple Of Weeks'
By Connor McKnight--
Thursday, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters that Marian Hossa came out of Wednesday night's game with an upper body injury. "[It's] not of a serious nature," Quenneville said after practice, "[He's] likely out up to a couple of weeks." Quenneville went on to confirm that Hossa's injury will not require surgery.
The Hawks still aren't sure exactly when the injury occurred. Hossa was taken to the ice somewhat awkwardly by Jaret Stoll about six minutes into the second period of the Hawks 3-1 win over the Kings but Quenneville said, "I don't know if it was that hit. It's tough to see or say exactly when it was."
Its' a big hit to the Hawks as Hossa's 11 points (7G, 4A) are second on the team and he's looked downright dominant at times this season. Still, this is one of the better versions of news to hear as after the game Wednesday night speculation ran rampant that Hossa could miss significantly more time that just "a couple of weeks."
Obviously, Quenneville will need to shake up his lines again in the absence of Hossa. "[Jonathan Toews] with [Patrick Sharp]... that pair has been good together. We'll see [Tomas Kopecky] at center," Quenneville said, "Last night, I liked him in the middle there. I think that worked fine last night. ... We'll see where [Patrick Kane] goes." Quenneville also has Jordan Hendry and John Scott as options on the wing but Coach Q answered with a cryptic, "We'll see," when asked about them.
Dave Bolland also missed Thursday's practice. Quenneville called Bolland's absence a rest day. Meanwhile Brian Campbell inches closer toward his season debut. He skated with the team for the second time and Quenneville said, "I don't want to say a date exactly, but he's not too far away."
