Hoge: Hossa, Kane Still Out; Stalberg To Return
By Adam Hoge--
Marian Hossa and Viktor Stalberg were back on the ice at practice Tuesday, but only one of them will play when the Blackhawks host the Predators Wednesday night.
"Yeah, I'm cleared to play," Stalberg said when asked if he would be a go Wednesday. "I'm looking forward to helping the team out. They've been playing well so I'm going to get back and do my job and hopefully keep this streak going."
For what it's worth, head coach Joel Quenneville didn't commit to Stalberg being in Wednesday's lineup, but it appears his return is imminent.
Hossa, meanwhile, went through a full practice Tuesday and then some. He stayed on the ice an extra 30 minutes testing the leg he injured in practice three weeks ago. He appeared to be skating close to 100 percent, but Quenneville said after practice that he won't play Wednesday.
"We're going to shoot for after Christmas. He looked good today, but he's close," the head coach said.
That could mean Hossa will be ready for Sunday's game against Columbus, a return date that is not out of the question for Kane (ankle) too.
Kane did not practice Tuesday after suffering a setback Saturday.
"It's not too far away with him either," Quenneville said.
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