NHL Playoffs 2012, Blackhawks Vs. Coyotes: C Jonathan Toews To Play In Game 1

Chris Kuc of The Chicago Tribune reports the Chicago Blackhawks will indeed have their star center in Thursday's opening to the 2012 NHL Playoffs:

Captain Jonathan Toews confirms he's playing tonight for #Blackhawks vs. Coyotes.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) April 12, 2012

Jonathan Toews played only 59 games for the Blackhawks in the 2011-12 NHL Season, but still finished the year tied for second on the team with 29 goals. The 23-year-old captain has missed the last 22 with what is believed to be concussion symptoms.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Toews begin their match against the Phoenix Coyotes at 9:00 p.m. on the NBC Sports Network.

For more from the Blackhawks perspective, check in with SB Nation Chicago and Second City Hockey. For more from the Coyotes perspective, check in with Five For Howling and SB Nation Phoenix.

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NHL Playoffs 2012: Blackhawks Vs. Coyotes Preview With Sun-Times' Reporter Adam Jahns (PODCAST)

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain A Game-Time Decision For Playoffs Opener

The Chicago Blackhawks have not had their captain, C Jonathan Toews, since late February. The star center has dealt with concussion issues for several months now and hopes to return in time for the Blackhawks' playoff opener against the Phoenix Coyotes.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Toews participated with the first line in practice, but remains a game-time decision. Toews spoke with the media, sharing his eagerness to get back on the ice, but cautious approach with his injury:

"It’s playoff time now and especially these last few games you don’t really know what to expect from other teams in the regular season, especially teams that aren’t going to be in the playoffs. We wanted to kind of err on the cautious side by me not playing. I think I’m feeling a little more confident that Thursday might be the day but we’ll see when that time comes."

The Blackhawks begin their NHL Playoffs Schedule on Thursday against the Coyotes.

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Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain Will Miss Season Finale On Saturday

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is still dealing with the effects of a concussion he suffered in February. Toews said on Friday that he will miss the regular season finale against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. According to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune, the concussion symptoms only bother Toews when he is on the ice.

#Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said off ice he's fine, but concussion symptoms return when he's on the ice.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) April 6, 2012

For readers keeping score at home that will make 22 games in a row without Toews for the Blackhawks. The team is 12-5-4 without him. The team currently sits on the sixth spot in the Western Conference playoff standings, but could move up to the fifth spot.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on theChicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain Could Play Saturday

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Wild, but he may play against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times. He also reports that Dave Bolland, who's been dealing with an upper body injury, has been given the same status as Toews.

Speaking with Jahns, Toews said that effects from his concussion are still "lingering" at the moment, so even now he's not 100 percent. The Blackhawks have been cautious with their star player as he recovers from the head injury, even though there are just a few games left in the season.

Having Toews back for the postseason is going to be key for Chicago. The Blackhawks have already clinched a playoff spot with their 44-26-10 record, but they're currently lined up for the No. 6 seed.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on theChicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain Hopeful To Play Thursday

Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago reports that the star center for the Chicago Blackhawks, captain Jonathan Toews, may be ready for game action this Thursday against the Minnesota Wild.

The Blackhawks, who have clinched a postseason appearance with 98 points, have two games remaining in the regular season schedule and hope to get healthy and to full strength before the playoffs begin. Toews, who has missed the last 21 games with an upper-body injury, is third on the team with 29 goals despite playing in only 59 games this season.

With the Blackhawks locked in for a playoff run, some doubt Toews will return before the postseason, but according to the 23-year-old captain, he would rather hit the ice sooner:

"Come Thursday we’ll make a decision but not ready for that yet," [Toews] said. "It’s tough to really know 110 percent if the time is right to go back in and play. You just have to know, have to have that instinct that it’s time to play. Today was a good day, hopefully tomorrow’s the same way. I’d love to play a couple of these games before going into the playoffs."

The Blackhawks and Wild game starts at 7:00 p.m. CDT.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Center Cleared For Contact, May Return By End Of Regular Season

The Chicago Blackhawks have faltered at times in the second half of the season but have managed to stay in the playoff hunt and currently sit sixth in the Western Conference as the postseason is nearly upon us. They are hoping that they will be at full strength for the playoffs and it now appears it is a possibility they may have the services of one of their key players earlier than that.

According to Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago, Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews has been cleared for contact and skated in Chicago on Saturday. If all goes well, Toews could return in one of the four final Blackhawks game before the season ends.

Toews has been out of action since February 18 after suffering a concussion.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Center Will Miss Weekend Games, Should Be Cleared For Contact Very Soon

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews hasn't played since a February 18 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets as Chicago's captain is resting after sustaining a concussion. The 'Hawks are being cautious with Toews' return, but with the postseason inching closer, there's obvious pressure on both sides to get the Chicago start back on the ice, assuming he's fit to play.

Today, we learned Toews should be cleared for contact in practice very soon, perhaps as early as today.

"I'm not sure if it's official yet, but probably; if it's not [Thursday], it will be soon though," Toews said.

Toews will miss his 18th game in a row when the 'Hawks take on the conference-leading St. Louis Blues on Thursday. While today's news hints that Toews' return is imminent, it's important to note he won't be back on the ice for Chicago in game-action in the coming days.

It should be noted that #Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews basically said he's out for this weekend's games. Being cautious like he should.

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) March 29, 2012

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Coach Joel Quenneville Hopes His Captain Returns Before End Of Season

You don't need to look any further than Pittsburgh, PA to realize how scary concussions are. The Penguins have kept star center Sidney Crosby sidelined for basically an entire season with a concussion, and the Chicago Blackhawks are being similarly cautious with the face of their franchise, center Jonathan Toews.

Toews had been rumored to return last week, but Chicago felt it couldn't send him out on the ice in good faith. Today, head coach Joel Quenneville hinted that there is no timetable for the center's return.

#Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville on whether Jonathan Toews will return before end of season: "Let's hope so. It would be great."

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 15, 2012

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury Update: Tuesday Return Looking Less Likely

ESPN The Magazine's Craig Custance caught up with Blackhawks GM about injured star Jonathan Toews, and while there'd been a report that Toews could return to the ice on Tuesday night, that now appears less likely.

Stan Bowman said he didn't think Toews would play tomorrow but didn't rule out Friday or Sunday. Optimistic it'll happen within next week.

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) March 12, 2012

Related: No Satisfaction: Blackhawks 2 - Los Angeles 2, Kings Win In Stratego

Says Toews:

‘‘I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent,’’ said Toews, who participated in the morning skate Sunday but hasn’t been cleared for contact. ‘‘Obviously, if I was, I think I’d be ready to push myself right to the limit to get back into the lineup, and [this injury is] about being smart and not rushing that.’’

Toews has missed 10 consecutive games with a concussion.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Star Could Return Tuesday Vs. Rival Blues

The Chicago Blackhawks earned their fourth win in the last five games last night by defeating the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers 4-3, and now Chicago could be in for even more good news. Star center and captain Jonathan Toews sounds like he's ready to return to the ice after sitting due to a concussion.

#Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said if everything keeps progressing he'd like to return Tuesday night vs. Blues.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 10, 2012

#Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said if everything keeps progressing he'd like to return Tuesday night vs. Blues.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 10, 2012

The defeat the Western Conference-leading Blues, the 'Hawks are going to need all the help they can get. St. Louis is Chicago's only loss in the last five games, and it wasn't even close: the Blues curb-stomped Chicago 5-1 on their home ice on Tuesday. A healthy Toews in the lineup could be the perfect equalizer between the two squads.

For more analysis and commentary on the Chicago Blackhawks, check out the Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NHL news hub for more news and notes from around the league.

Jonathan Toews Injury Update: Chicago's Star Center Will Miss 9th Straight Game On Friday Vs. Rangers

The Chicago Blackhawks are being cautious with star center Jonathan Toews, who will miss his ninth straight game with a concussion when the 'Hawks host the New York Rangers on Friday night at the United Center. With good reason: after seeing what Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has had to endure with concussion issues of his own, Chicago knows it can't risk its captain's future for immediate pay-off.

There was a bit of encouraging news on Toews' injury today: the Chicago star skated prior to practice on Thursday. Toews has only been participating in off-ice workouts for the last week or so.

According to intrepid Sun-Times reporter Adam Jahns, there remains no timetable for Toews' return.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury Update: Blackhawks Center Has 'Encouraging' Workout

The Chicago Blackhawks (36-24-7, 79 pts) got some good news on Monday when C Jonathan Toews successfully completed his off-ice workout, according to Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago. Toews has been out since late February with concussion-like symptoms, though the team has listed him with simply an "upper-body injury."

Toews leads the team with 29 goals this season, but has been limited to just 59 games because of various injuries. The Blackhawks captain was previously ruled out of the remainder of the team's current road trip, making this Friday's game against the New York Rangers the soonest he would be available to return.

The Blackhawks play next on Tuesday night, squaring off against the St. Louis Blues Tuesday.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain Ruled Out For Remainder Of Road Trip

After leaving some hope that Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews would be able to return before the end of the team's road trip, coach Joel Quenneville has ruled him out for the remainder of the trip.

ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers has the quotes from Quenneville, who says that Toews won't play on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings or Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues.

Still progressing but no change. He's not on the ice. He's not going to be on the trip.

Toews has missed Chicago's past six games with what's been officially described as an upper body injury, but ESPN has sources that say the injury is actually a concussion. The Blackhawks are 3-3 without their captain in the lineup. Quenneville also told reporters that defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson won't be playing against the Red Wings on Sunday, either.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Blackhawks, head over to Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain Out Against Toronto

For the fifth consecutive game, the Chicago Blackhawks won't have captain Jonathan Toews leading them on the ice when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, as Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports. Toews has missed the team's past four games with what's been officially described as an upper body injury.

Speaking with reporters, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that there isn't a timetable currently set for Toews' return.

Toews is the same. He didn't skate today, about the same he's been the last few days. No progress. Still day to day. We'd like to see him on the ice, then you get a pretty good idea when he's going to be back. He enhances our team in all areas.

Toews, 23, is considered to be one of the NHL's top young stars. This season, he's had 29 goals and 28 assists in 59 games with Chicago.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Blackhawks, head over to Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around the league, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Jonathan Toews Injury Update: 'No Progress' For Blackhawks Star Center

Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks center and captain, Jonathan Toews, remains day-to-day with what is believed to concussion symptoms. The 23-year-old Toews has missed four straight games, during which the Blackhawks have gone 1-3, but does not appear likely to play Wednesday night either:

"[Toews] is the same," coach Joel Quenneville said after practice at Johnny's IceHouse West on Tuesday. "He didn't skate today. He's about the same he's been the last few days. No progress."

Quenneville also suggested that the Toews' absence has been frustrating to more than the fans at home:

"I think he's watching games and he's disappointed he can't be out there to help us. Injured guys definitely deal with that, especially at this time of the year. Knowing the leader that he is and how meaningful it would be for him to be in our lineup, that's part of the frustration as well."

The Blackhawks play the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night, hoping to snap their 3-game losing streak.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Car Accident: Blackhawks Center Reportedly In Downtown Chicago Car Wreck

The Chicago Blackhawks star center, Jonathan Toews, was reportedly in a car accident in downtown Chicago Thursday afternoon. Images of the wrecked Mercedes Benz first began appearing on the blog Selfish Indulgence, showing Toews' car smashed against an L support beam.

Eyewitnesses to the crash confirmed that it was indeed Toews, according to CBS Chicago:

"I saw his car in the pole," Theron Banks, an employee at Steak Express said. "I came out. People were everywhere. Toews was in the ambulance. People were videotaping and taking pictures and trying to get autographs, but police said they couldn’t get autographs."

Toews was already scheduled to miss Thursday night's game with a concussion, but this latest event may lengthen his stay off the ice if he receives any lingering injuries.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more news as this story develops, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Captain To Miss Game Against Dallas On Thursday

Chicago Blackhawks' captain Jonathan Toews won't be playing against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night as he continues to recover from an "upper body injury" this week, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville wouldn't specify on the injury, but it was previously reported earlier today by ChicagoNow.com that Toews has suffered a concussion.

Quenneville indicated to reporters that Toews' injury isn't related to the left-hand injury that kept him out of games earlier this season, but refused to acknowledge a possible head injury. The coach mentioned that he's hopeful that Toews will be able to return this weekend, which would obviously be good news for the Blackhawks.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Blackhawks Star Has Suffered Concussion, According To Report

Chicago Blackhawks star forward Jonathan Toews missed the team's most recent game with what was described as an "upper body injury," but Jay Zawaski of ChicagoNow.com is reporting that Toews' injury is actually a concussion. According to his source, the severity of the injury in unclear at this point.

Zawaski says that it is believed at this point that Toews suffered the concussion at some point early in Chicago's recent road trip. His source also implied that Toews may have hidden symptoms of the injury from the team in order to continue to play.

This could potentially be a major blow to the Blackhawks, especially while they're beginning to gain stride again following that brutal losing streak. Toews didn't practice on Wednesday after missing the recent game against Detroit, so this is definitely a situation to keep watching.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on theChicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. For more Red Wings hockey news and information, check out Winning It In Motown.

Blackhawks Vs. Red Wings: Jonathan Toews Out With Upper-Body Injury

The Blackhawks are looking to push their win streak to four games against the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night, but will need will to do so without C Jonathan Toews, according to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune:

Jonathan Toews won't play for #Blackhawks vs. Red Wings with upper-body injury.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 21, 2012

Toews leads the team with 29 goals and is second with 57 points. The 23-year-old caption has played in 59 of of the Blackhawks' 60 games so far in the 2011-12 NHL season and has been a major component in Chicago's last three wins, scoring 2 goals and racking up 3 assists.

In Toews place, the team will likely turn to 25-year-old C Dave Bolland to join the starting line.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks, be sure to visit Second City Hockey. For more Red Wings hockey news and information, check out Winning It In Motown.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Scott Hartnell To Replace Blackhawks Forward On All Star Roster

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell has been tapped to replace Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews on the Western Conference's roster for the 2012 NHL All Star Game. Toews was recently placed on the injured reserve by Chicago for a hand injury.

Toews had been one of the NHL's best players this season while leading the Blackhawks, but he appears to have injured his hand during Friday's game against the Florida Panthers. He tried to play the next day against the Nashville Predators but ended up leaving the game. He missed Chicago's most recent game against Nashville on Tuesday.

This is Toews' third All Star selection, but unfortunately he won't be participating in the game. Hartnell will be appearing in his first NHL All Star game.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.

Jonathan Toews Injury Update: Blackhawks Center Placed On IR

According to Adam L. Jahns of the Sun-Times, the Chicago Blackhawks have placed team captain C Jonathan Toews on the injured reserve (IR) list. The fifth-year pro from Winnipeg injured his hand on Saturday as the teams heads into the 2012 NHL All-Star Break.

The Blackhawks, needing another center, elected to place Toews on the IR on Tuesday, freeing them to call up C Brandon Pirri, though the Hawks do not anticipate needing him long. Chicago's head coach, Joel Quenneville dismissed concerns about the captain's injury, saying "The injury we said is not serious -- because it's not."

Because Toews will be on the IR for the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, Philadelphia Flyers F Scott Hartnell will take his place. Toews earned his third All-Star election after scoring a career-high 0.55 goals per game.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Center Won't Play Tuesday, Could Skip 2012 NHL All-Star Game

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews injured a hand in the team's win over Florida on Friday night, and he was forced to leave the game against Nashville on Saturday. Coach Joel Quenneville said Monday that Toews won't play on Tuesday, which is Chicago's last game before the All-Star break.

Related: Jonathan Toews Injury: Toews Left Game With Undisclosed Injury

As CSN's Chris Boden and Tracey Meyers discuss, that break comes at a good time for Toews, as he has a full week to rest the injury if he needs to do so.

And Joel Quenneville believes Toews will take the entire week off; he indicated Monday that Toews probably would not play in Sunday's All-Star game.Quenneville also said the injury isn't serious and that he expects Toews will be ready to return the lineup when the team resumes play after the All-Star break on Jan. 31.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.

Jonathan Toews Injury: Toews Left Game With Undisclosed Injury

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews left Saturday night's game vs. the Nashville Predators in the second period with an undisclosed injury, and did not return for the remainder of the game. Toews was slashed on Friday night vs. the Florida Panthers and told reporters after the game that he had "taken a whack" on his left hand, but that he would be alright.