Patrick Kane Medically Cleared, 'Could' Be Ready For Playoff Opener

(CBS) Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane has been medically cleared for full patricipation by team physician Dr. Michael Terry after a nearly seven-week recovery from a broken left clavicle, another sign that he could return for Game 1 of a first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

"After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation," Terry said in a statement.

Kane met with reporters Monday following a morning practice at Johnny's IceHouse, having taken part in contact drills and showing signs of full health. However, he didn't confirm a return to action for Game 1.

"Overall, I feel pretty good," Kane said after practicing fully Monday. "Just got to take it day-by-day now.

"I think it's one of those things where you feel good but you still got to be patient with it. I'm not sure exactly how long I'll be. I feel pretty good right now."

As of Monday morning, Kane had been cleared for contact but wasn't permitted by doctors for full participation. Coach Joel Quenneville warned to the media that medical clearance was needed, but he acknowledged that a potential return is possible for Kane on Wednesday.

"Yeah, he could," Quenneville said.

Kane has missed Chicago's last 21 games with the injury, which he suffered in a game on Feb. 24 against the Florida Panthers when Alex Petrovic checked the off-balance winger into the boards. Kane had surgery one day later, and an initial 12-week timetable was set, one that had him in line for a return in mid-May -- which wouldn't be until a potential berth in the Western Conference Final. However, it became clear in the weeks that followed that Kane was well ahead of schedule for a return.

"It's too early to tell" if playing Wednesday is in the cards, Kane said earlier Monday. Quenneville needs to evaluate how Kane fits on the ice, too.

"We'll see how he does again tomorrow," Quenneville said. "I thought he had really good progress today, played through contact and handled everything pretty well. I thought that line looked good as well. We'll see how he is tomorrow. I thought he looked good today."

At practice Monday, Kane was a full participant and skated on the second line with Brad Richards and Kris Versteeg, reuniting a line that had great success before a Jan. 1 broken hand to Versteeg and Kane's broken clavicle.

In just 61 games, Kane is still the Blackhawks' second-leading points scorer with 64, two behind Jonathan Toews for the team lead.

Game 1 between the Blackhawks and Predators is Wednesday in Nashville, while Game 2 is set for Friday.

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• Patrick Kane
• Joel Quenneville