Kane, Hossa to make preseason debuts Wednesday
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Patrick Kane will make his preseason debut Wednesday night against Detroit at the United Center.
So will Marian Hossa.
In fact, Kane will start the game centering a line for Hossa and Andrew Brunette, and everyone is eager to see how that experiment works.
“One area we'll find out is down low in his own end, how he handles coverage and contains guys,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Defensively he's made steady improvement over time and his hockey sense is high end.”
Kane has yet to play in the preseason as he works himself back from left wrist surgery.
Rookie Brandon Saad will play in his fifth straight exhibition game, likely on a line with Jonathan Toews and Viktor Stalberg.
The fact that the 18-year-old Saad and center Brandon Pirri are still in camp is a good sign for the depth of the organization.
“The fact they're getting more exposure and experience practicing and playing against top guys and feeling themselves in NHL games is healthy for them,” Quenneville said. “We'll evaluate them based on how they continue to play. We don't have to make a decision on those guys yet. They're going to be around for another game or two, maybe all three.”
Sharp better:
Patrick Sharp skated on his own for the third straight day Tuesday as he recovers from his emergency appendectomy.
“He's progressing well,” Joel Quenneville said. “We're very happy with where he's at. Each and every day he's able to do a little bit more. We're very encouraged.”
Tip-ins:
The Hawks trimmed their roster to 31 on Tuesday by sending center Brett McLean to Rockford after the veteran cleared waivers ... Daniel Carcillo missed practice for the second straight day because he was sick.
