Marian Hossas status hasnt changed much from last night, and coach Joel Quenneville didnt know if it could be a long-term issue as the Blackhawks convened for meetings on Wednesday afternoon.
Hossa was at home, resting, Quenneville said, after Raffi Torres hit on him during the first period of last nights game. The Blackhawks forward was taken off on a stretcher and went to the hospital, but was later released after undergoing some tests.
When asked if this could be a long-term situation for Hossa, Quenneville said, well see.
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Quenneville hadnt talked to the right wing yet but several players have.
Hes doing better, Andrew Brunette said. I think were all scared. The way he landed was a little scary.
Torres is suspended indefinitely, pending an in-person hearing he will have with the league on Friday.
For the Blackhawks, there will be an obvious adjustment in Hossas absence. Brandon Saad, the rookie who made the Blackhawks team out of training camp, skated today and Quenneville said he could play in Game 4 tomorrow night.
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The series has been a physical one, but players said thats no excuse for last nights hit.
Its obvious theyre hitting hard, they want to hurt, they want to target players. But theyre doing it in a clean way, Patrick Sharp. But last night, I have to disagree with that (hit).
Duncan Keith, who served a five-game suspension for his elbow to Daniel Sedins face at the end of the regular season, said mistakes happen in the heat of the moment.
You have to keep your emotions in check. I learned from that but its tough, though, he said. Hockeys a fast-paced game and things happen in the heat of the moment you regret. At the same time, its about being in control.
Players say its tough to contain emotions and not retaliate in situations when they feel theres a bad hit.
Im sure they felt the same way when there was contact with their goaltender (Mike Smith) in Game 3, Sharp said. But you have to remember youre in a playoff game. as much as you love your teammate and you wish him the best, but you have to play the game.