The Chicago Blackhawks could have Patrick Kane back in the lineup when they open their first-round series against the Nashville Predators.
According to CSN’s Pat Boyle, Kane is expected to be cleared for contact Monday and could suit up for Game 1 in Nashville on Wednesday.
Kane has been sidelined since Feb. 24 with a broken clavicle after crashing heavily into the boards in a game against the Florida Panthers. After undergoing surgery, team doctors said they expected the 2013 Conn Smythe winner to be out for 12 weeks. It was the same diagnosis given to Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker, who returned last week after breaking his collarbone Feb. 9.
The 26-year-old Kane has 27 goals and 64 points in 61 games this season. He has 37 goals and 91 points in 93 career playoff games.
