Kane has been out with broken collarbone since February 24th, but he will be back for game 1 vs. the Predators. This is a massive boost for the Blackhawks lineup and should make them clear-cut favourites in this series. He had 27 goals and 37 assists (64 points) in 61 games before getting injured.
Kane was a full participant in Monday’s practice and coach Quenneville seems positive about the possibility of Kane being ready for Game 1. Monitor his status again on Tuesday.
Kane has been out since February 24th but got rid of his no-contact sweater this morning and skated in his usual spot on the Blackhawks second line with Brad Richards and Kris Versteeg. Kane also practiced with the top power-play unit, both of which are good signs that Kane could be back in the lineup for Game 1.
Hamonic missed the season finale after getting injured in on Friday in Pittsburgh. There was no update on his status after practice, but it doesn’t look good for the 24-year-old.
Gibson is reportedly nursing an injury that he suffered in practice on Friday. The Ducks did not hold a morning skate, but a few players did take the ice, but Gibson was not one of them. If Gibson is not available tonight, expect Frederik Andersen to get the nod with the recently recalled Jason Labarbera serving as his backup.
Hamonic left yesterday’s game with an undisclosed injury and will be re-evaluated today before a decision on his status for tonight is made. With the Islanders already in the playoffs, don’t be surprised if Hamonic sits tonight.
Talbot allowed four goals on 30 shots in the Rangers loss to the Capitals on March 29th. Henrik Lundqvist has started the last four games, but Talbot will start tonight in New Jersey. Talbot has won three of five while posting a 2.58 GAA and .917 SV%. Tonight he will face a Devils team who have lost seven of eight.
Chiarot has been out of the lineup since February 21st, but will be back in tonight vs. Minnesota. Chiarot will replace Tobias Enstrom, who is out with an upper-body injury.
Gibson allowed a single goal on 27 shots in the Ducks win in New Jersey on Sunday. Frederik Andersen started on Wednesday, but they will go with Gibson tonight vs. Colorado. In his last five starts Gibson has gone 3-2-0 with a 2.70 GAA and .902 SV%. He faces an Avs team who have lost five of their last seven.
Kane is just five weeks into a 12-week timeline and when coach Joel Quenneville was asked if his timeline has changed, the coach said “There’s been excellent progress. It could be good news. We’ll see.” This is great news for the Blackhawks, but when he will return remains fuzzy. He could be back in time for game-1 of the playoffs.
Gibson allowed four goals on 26 shots in the Ducks loss to the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Frederik Andersen started the last two games, including last night, but Gibson will be back in goal tonight vs. the Devils. Gibson has gone 5-2-0 with a 2.69 GAA and .913 SV% in seven starts in March.
Talbot allowed one goal on 24 shots in the Rangers win in Ottawa on Thursday. He was given yesterday off, but he will be in goal today vs. the Capitals. Talbot has won three of his last four while posting a 2.23 GAA and .929 SV%. This afternoon he will make his 15th start at Madison Square Garden—Talbot has gone 9-2-3 with a 1.81 GAA and .939 SV% in his first 14 starts at home.
Copp, 20, was a fourth round pick (104th overall) of the Jets in 2013. Copp scored 14 goals and 17 assists (31 points) in 36 games at the University of Michigan (NCAA) this season. He is expected to report to the Jets.
Talbot allowed four goals on 35 shots in the Rangers loss to the Kings on Tuesday. Talbot sits 7-2-1 with a 1.49 GAA and .953 SV% in his last 10 starts. Talbot is red-hot but he will need to be at his best tonight as the Rangers take on an equally hot Andrew Hammond and the Senators.
