LOS ANGELESJonathan Toews and Niklas Hjalmarsson arent currently skating back home, but coach Joel Quenneville is hoping theyll be skatingand playingsoon.
Toews, Hjalmarsson and Steve Montador did not make the trip for this two-game stint in Los Angeles and Anaheim, but Quenneville is hoping that at least Toews and Hjalmarsson could play Wednesday when the Blackhawks host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(Toews) is progressing; hes on the same pace he was at before, Quenneville said of Toews, whos possibly suffering some concussion-like symptoms. Well know where hes at when we come back but theres a chance (he plays Wednesday).
Hjalmarsson returned for Thursdays game against the Dallas Stars but apparently suffered a setback heading into the weekend. Quenneville said its not bad. Hopefully when we get back he gets back on the ice with us. Were maybe even looking at (him playing) Wednesday.
The Blackhawks could use both of them back as soon as possible. With 20 games remaining entering Saturdays contest in Los Angeles, every point is critical.
We know the importance of every game, Quenneville said. Were playing a real tough schedule here, all meaningful games, and we want to make sure our team game, start to finish, is in order. We have to be tight defensively and lets make sure we have the urgency because these are all playoff games.