Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews in for Tuesday matchup, Patrick Sharp's status in doubt-NHL Update
Missing some of their top players has definitely taken Chicago Blackhawks off track on their journey to making it big this time after a disappointing 2010-2011 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, but with news of captain, Jonathan Toews, ready to
make a comeback Tuesday night, January 31, 2012, in their post All-Star Game matchup against Vancouver Canucks, it brings a ray of new hope.
While Toews, their former third overall draft pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, is ready to return on the ice for the first time since a game after facing a wrist injury earlier this month in a matchup against Florida Panthers as Erik Gudbranson slashed
him with his stick, their veteran left winger, Patrick Sharp’s status is still in doubt.
Sharp, a 30-year-old forward for Chicago, also faced the same wrist injury but it was in a contest against the Detroit Red Wings before Toews, as Jiri Hudler slashed him while he was attempting to score a goal.
"I'm excited to be back," Toews said Monday evening after practice in the opposing city of Vancouver, a team which knocked them out during last year’s playoffs. "I took the time I needed this past week."
While Toews states that he has healed completely, Sharp has still got some time as he continues to feel some pain in his wrist, which could be further aggravated if he plans on playing anytime soon without medical clearance.
"I want to get back as fast as I can," Sharp said following his first practice session. "Whether that's tomorrow (Tuesday) the next game or the third game, who knows. We'll see."
For Sharp, the best part was that his wrist had minor cuts and fortunately, did not require any surgery.
"I think they looked at it and it wasn't necessary so I think it cuts the healing time in half," Sharp added. "I got lucky there."
Toews has played in 49 games with Chicago and up until now, boasts the 10th highest record in terms of points in the season so far with 50 (27 goals, 23 assists).
Sharp on the other hand has played 42 matchups and registered 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists).
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