Jonathan Toews and Dave Bolland will go on this final road trip, but both are out on Thursday night when the Blackhawks play the Minnesota Wild.
Toews, who has missed 20 games with a concussion, is close and could play Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. When asked why Toews is out for Thursday, coach Joel Quenneville said its all part of the process. Quenneville said Minnesotas feistiness in their game Sundaythere were some big hits, as well as three fights in the first half of the gamehad nothing to do with the decision.
For Toews, just getting back on the road is a start.
Thats step one, he said. Its better than staying home and sitting around by myself. Its not fun to be home watching on TV in my living room; guys go on the road and you miss out on a lot. I feel like Im a little bit closer to being in the picture again and its better than nothing. Hopefully that means Ill be playing soon.
Bolland, meanwhile, has an upper-body injury that Quenneville said is not serious. Bolland, who has not practiced the past two days with the Blackhawks, could play Saturday in Detroit.
Brendan Morrison filled Bollands spot on the checking line at Wednesdays practice.
Andrew Brunette (lower body) practiced on Wednesday and could play tomorrow in Minnesota. Corey Crawford will get the start.