The Chicago Blackhawks were able to come from behind to defeat the San Jose Sharks in overtime without Marian Hossa on Sunday.
It looks like they’ll have to do that again when they face Dallas on Tuesday because Hossa won’t suit up until after the Christmas break, per Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago.
Hossa (upper body) out until post-Christmas. Sounds like more precautionary; chance to give him ample rest instead of rush. #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) December 21, 2015
The 36-year-old has played in all but three games for the ‘Hawks this season and although his numbers are down (five goals, 16 points in 31 games), he’s still fourth among forwards on the team in average TOI (17:21/game).
Luckily for Chicago, the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious.
“Hopefully he can play when we get back after Christmas,” coach Joel Quenneville said, per the Sun-Times. “I don’t think it’s serious at all.”
The Blackhawks’ first game back from the break will be against Carolina on Dec. 27.