Sunday may still be a rough night overall for the Chicago Blackhawks, but if head coach Joel Quenneville’s early prognosis is correct, Jonathan Toews’ upper-body injury might only be minor.
Quenneville labels the 25-year-old as “day-to-day” and told reporters including CSNChicago.com’s Tracey Myers that they’ll know more about their captain’s condition on Monday.
It’s early, but so far that’s seriously good news for Captain Serious.
The Blackhawks are already dealing with Patrick Kane’s injury-related absence, and while day-to-day can sometimes result in weeks of missed time, at least it sounds like his issue (which seems to be left arm/shoulder-related) isn’t too significant.
Q: "This time of the year we want to make sure Johnny gets better and fresh. Whether it’s a break or not, we’ll see." #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) March 31, 2014
As far as the hit itself, Brooks Orpik defended himself to the media:
Penguins' Brooks Orpik on hit on #Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews: "There's no penalty. I don't know. I think that hit happens 10 times a game."
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 31, 2014
... And it seemed like Marian Hossa (sort of) backed him up.
Hossa on Orpik: "I know him as a fair guy. Obviously, some calls are tougher than others, and sometimes he’s on the borderline." #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 31, 2014
Even with that mostly good injury news, this 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins might rally the Blackhawks, who have now lost three games in a row.
Marian Hossa: "Obviously, it’s a tough road trip and maybe it’s a wake-up call for the whole team." #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 31, 2014