Healthier Hawks watch Seabrook
ON THE MEND | Defenseman might play; 1st workout for Hossa; Toews not on trip
Not only are the Blackhawks coming off two impressive victories, they're getting healthier.
Defenseman Brent Seabrook returned to practice Wednesday at Johnny's Ice House, and prized free-agent acquisition Marian Hossa worked out with the team for the first time. Seabrook expects to play tonight at Nashville.
(Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times/AP
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The story line: The Hawks already have beaten Nashville twice with Cristobal Huet in goal, and he'll be there again tonight. The Predators traveled back from Minnesota after facing the Wild on Wednesday night. Nashville entered that game with the worst power play in the NHL (8.3 percent). Hawks captain Jonathan Toews (concussion) didn't make the trip, and the team might not recall a player to take his spot. Coach Joel Quenneville is considering playing seven defensemen, meaning Jordan Hendry might see some action up front.
Len Ziehm
Seabrook and captain Jonathan Toews took hard hits in the Hawks' loss Oct. 21 to the Vancouver Canucks. Both experienced concussion-like symptoms, and Toews remained off the ice Wednesday.
Seabrook, though, believes he's over his problems after missing two games.
''I got hit in the neck, and it sort of rattled my brain a little bit,'' he said. ''I just had headaches, but not exactly headaches. I felt pressure when I'd get up or walk. I had to wait for that to subside, and once it did I could work out.''
Seabrook had played in 223 consecutive games before his injury, the longest streak of any active Hawk and the third-longest among NHL defensemen. He has seven points in nine games and is plus-5.
While the team had Tuesday off, Seabrook went through his own workout without experiencing any symptoms. There were no problems after the workout Wednesday, either.
Only a failed psychological test with team physicians could keep Seabrook out of the game tonight.
''[The team doctors] will still talk, but as far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to go,'' Seabrook said. ''They're looking after my best interests, to make sure I'm fine. I'm looking at playing tomorrow, but it's their decision.''
Coach Joel Quenneville also expected Seabrook to return to the lineup, but Toews didn't make the flight to Nashville and is doubtful for the home game Friday against the Montreal Canadiens. Quenneville wouldn't rule him out, though.
''We'll see. He's still day-to-day,'' Quenneville said. ''With that kind of injury, you just deal with it and time will tell. You can't prognosticate. It's case-by-case.''
Hossa's return isn't expected until Nov. 25 at San Jose, and that's only a tentative target date. After signing the biggest contract in franchise history -- 12 years for $62.5 million -- Hossa underwent shoulder surgery July 24. His first workout with the team came a bit ahead of schedule.
''We thought it'd be Saturday or Sunday, but the guys won't be practicing here soon,'' Hossa said.
With games the next two nights, the Hawks likely will take the weekend off, then leave early for back-to-back games next Thursday and Friday in Phoenix and Dallas. Hossa will resume skating alone, which he has been doing for more than a week.
Hossa didn't take any contact Wednesday. He took part in some passing and light shooting drills.
''For it being my first time, it felt pretty good,'' he said. ''You've got to pace yourself. You can't get too crazy right away. I can tell that I don't have much power yet, but practicing with the guys gives you a little confidence. It puts a smile on your face, and you feel a little better.''
''He looked good,'' Quenneville said. ''Usually when a guy hasn't skated or has been skating on his own and then comes back [to the team], it slows down drills. But he speeded them up. He has the speed, the presence, the quality, the skill. He did a lot of different drills. It was a good first step for him.''