Stalberg cleared to return to Blackhawks

The Blackhawks' M*A*S*H ward received some good news Tuesday: winger Viktor Stalberg (upper body) has been cleared and is set to return to the lineup Wednesday night against Nashville at the United Center.

Stalberg missed the Hawks' last two games — wins over Detroit and Los Angeles.

“I feel 100 percent right now,” Stalberg said Tuesday after practice at Johnny's Ice House. “I'm just excited to get back (on the ice).

“If you look back at our past 15 games or so, I think we're playing a better overall team game. We're making it harder for our opponents to get scoring chances and we're finding ways to win those tight games.

“Hopefully we can win one more before Christmas and end this year on a good note.”

Marian Hossa (lower body), meanwhile, was back skating in practice and actually was the last Hawk on the ice Tuesday. Coach Joel Quenneville said he's shooting for Hossa's return after Christmas.

“He looked good today. He's close (to returning),” Quenneville said.

Added Niklas Hjalmarsson: “Hossa obviously is a big part of the team. He's one of the best players in the league, and he's a great guy around the locker room, too. It's going to mean a lot for our team when he comes back.”

Patrick Kane (lower body) did not skate Tuesday.

“I still think he's able to do a lot off the ice,” Quenneville said. “It's not too far away with him either (for his return). I don't think we should take the fact that he's not on the ice” practicing to mean it will be a lengthy time away from action.

Practice shenanigans:

With about 200 fans watching Tuesday's practice, Patrick Sharp admitted it was enjoyable — and a prime time to rib a teammate.

“It was awesome (having a large crowd). Our Saturday practices are always the most fun because the crowd comes out (to watch),” Sharp said. “It's fun to kind of goof around and throw pucks up (to the fans). I was telling some of the kids to call (Jonathan) Toews, ‘Fatty' because he's put on a few pounds over the holidays.”

Bear down:

Niklas Hjalmarsson watched some of the Bears' Monday Night mauling in Minnesota, and he is celebrating that another team is playoff-bound in Chicago.

“I love the city; it's just a great city. It's always nice to see the other teams doing well. That's obviously good for the city and good for the people in Chicago,” Hjalmarsson said.

Up next:

Although Nashville lost its last game, 6-1 Saturday to Los Angeles, the Predators have had a successful month with 6 wins in nine games, including back-to-back shutouts over Florida and the New York Islanders.

“We're pretty familiar with what they're capable of. I think we saw firsthand, not just in the regular-season but (also) what they were capable of in last year's playoff drive,” Joel Quenneville said.

“They're a team that has some real good mobile defense. They're strong in net (with goalies Pekka Rinne and Anders Lindback). They play a real tight team game and they frustrate oppositions because they keep themselves in every hockey game.”

Tip-ins:

Left winner Troy Brouwer has 4 goals in his last six games, highlighted by a pair Dec. 13 at Colorado. “I think Troy Brower has done a good job of putting the puck in the net. He probably didn't have the start that he wanted offensively, but he's scoring now,” teammate Patrick Sharp said. … Bryan Bickell has at least 1 point in each of the last four games. “Bick's got hot,” Quenneville said. “He's got that shot, with that quick release. He's got some nice hands. He gets (his shot) away and protects (the puck) in some tight areas. He's scored some big goals.”