Patrick Kane Returns From Injury for Blackhawks Opening Playoff Series

The NHL postseason will start on Wednesday, with one series featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators. Seven weeks following surgery for a fractured clavicle, Patrick Kane a forward for the Blackhawks will play in Game 1.

Kane said it was exciting to be back as it has been a long 50 days on the sidelines, but he credited hard work by his doctors, trainers and he listening to them so he could heal as quickly as he did.

He was unsure of when he would be able to get back into the lineup as he took it day by day. Once he started to feel good then he knew he had a shot at being back sooner than was first thought.

Prior to fracturing his clavicle, Kane scored 27 goals and handed out 34 assists for the Blackhawks. He was injured February 24 and underwent surgery the following day. However, his timetable for returning was 12 weeks, but Wednesday marks just seven weeks since the day of his surgery.

Dr. Michael Terry the head physician for the Blackhawks announced this week that Kane was cleared officially to play.

Joel Quenneville the head coach for the Blackhawks says Kane looked go and felt good being back on the ice. He called the news great for the team and everyone was glad to have Kane back.

Kane had been tied for the points lead in the NHL prior to being injured and finished the season fourth with an average of 1.05 points per game.

He is not sure at what level his game will be when he plays for the first on Wednesday, but knows it will be great to be back out there.

Kane was given clearance for full contact in a practice on Monday, and participated in a second practice Tuesday.

Kane has played in 93 of the possible 94 playoffs games for Chicago during his career of eight years. He has scored 37 goals, including  the game winner on seven occasions. He has also recorded 54 assists during those 93 games. In 2013, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Chicago went 12-8-1 while Kane was sidelined recuperating from surgery over their final 21 games of the regular season. In 9 of those 21 games, the Blackhawks scored fewer than 2 goals.

The Blackhawks are expected to win this series with Nashville and it will give Kane time to get back into playing shape. His return to the ice has also adjusted the odds that bookmakers are giving Chicago to win the Stanley Cup this season.