Seabrook-Wisniewski friendship takes a hit

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Brent Seabrook returned to the ice for practice with the Blackhawks on Friday just two days after suffering what is believed to be a concussion from the vicious hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski, who subsequently received an eight-game suspension from the NHL.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said the team would wait until Saturday morning to decide whether Seabrook plays against the Coyotes.

Seabrook and Wisniewski have been friends for a long time since their early days with the Hawks, but it's a friendship that now appears to be a bit strained.

Wisniewski charged at Seabrook from past the left circle and delivered a high hit in retaliation for Seabrook knocking down Ducks winger Corey Perry with a hit.

"I didn't see him coming, maybe at the last second," chicagoblackhawks.com quoted Seabrook with saying on Friday. "He's a good guy and a hard player. I don't know why he didn't come do it a different way. The hit I made on Perry definitely warrants a fight or guys running me a little bit out there, but I think there's better ways to do it.

"For Wiz to come from the blue line like he did and leave his feet and go right for my head, I don't think that's fair for any player, especially not a friend."

Wisniewski issued an apology on Thursday and also left Seabrook a message.

"It was nice of him, but I'm just going to take some time and figure it out from there," Seabrook said. "I'm pretty (ticked) off right now, but time will tell. Time will heal, and we'll see down the line."

Wisniewski is getting married this summer and has invited Seabrook to the wedding. Will he go?

"We'll see," Seabrook said after first saying he wouldn't.

• Goalie Cristobal Huet also was back at practice Friday after missing three days with the flu.

Corey Crawford was returned to Rockford.