CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane is expected to be in the lineup for Game 1 of Chicago’s opening-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.
Both Kane and Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville confirmed that the right wing is ready to return following Tuesday’s practice.
Kane, who broke his collarbone in February, received medical clearance to play on Monday. Kane practiced with the team on Monday and Tuesday.
Kane missed the final 21 games of the regular season, and the All-Star still finished second on the team with 27 goals and 64 points. He was a candidate for the Hart Trophy for NHL MVP, and tied for the league lead in points, when he was hurt in the first period of a 3-2 shootout win over Florida on Feb. 24.
Kane had surgery on Feb. 25. Originally, his recovery was expected to take up to 12 weeks.
