Blackhawks thrilled to have healthy Anisimov back for playoffs

Artem Anisimov admitted it - missing the last 13 games of the regular season really stunk.

"It was a tough pill to swallow," said the Blackhawks' second-line center, who practiced with the team for the first time Tuesday since suffering a leg injury against the Canadiens on March 14. "But that's life and it's a game. You can't do anything about it."

The Hawks know they are fortunate that Anisimov is 100 percent and able to play in Game 1 of their opening-round series against Nashville at the United Center on Thursday. During practice, he returned to his customary spot in the Hawks' lineup between Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane.

Afterward, surrounded by a throng of reporters, Anisimov admitted he'll feel some pressure when the puck drops, but he doesn't expect it to last very long.

"I think after the first shift it's going to go away," Anisimov said.

The Hawks went 6-1-2 without Anisimov, then closed the season on an 0-2-2 skid that mainly came about because they had wrapped up the top seed in the West. Tanner Kero did a fine job in Anisimov's absence, but Kane and the rest of the Hawks are certainly happy the big Russian is ready to go.

"It was good to see him back on the ice," Kane said. "We know he hasn't played in awhile, so I think for us just keep it simple and for him. He does a lot of simple things on the ice anyways.

"So, it'll be good to get him going back to the front of the net, and hopefully we'll be shooting pucks there and get some bounces."

Anisimov tied a career high with 22 goals but was unable to add to that total because of the hit he absorbed along the boards in Montreal.

Probert's ashes spread:

Dani Probert, the widow of former Blackhawks and Red Wings player Bob Probert, spread his ashes into the penalty box at Joe Louis Arena after the final game there on Sunday.

"Had no plans whatsoever of sprinkling his ashes anywhere," she told a radio station from Windsor, Ontario. "I just hadn't been able to let that part of him go, and it was the emotions and being with my hockey family and sitting next to Cheli (Chris Chelios).

"We went into the penalty box ... and it was incredibly emotional and it just seems so fitting, it was the perfect time."

Probert, who racked up 3,300 penalty minutes during his 16-year career, died of a heart attack at the age of 45 in 2010.

Slap shots:

Michal Rozsival underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair facial fractures he suffered after getting punched by Anaheim's Nick Ritchie on Thursday. No timetable was given for Rozsivla's return. … Andrew Desjardins missed practice and remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury. … The lines at practice Tuesday were: Nick Schmaltz-Jonathan Toews-Richard Panik; Artemi Panarin-Artem Anisimov-Patrick Kane; Ryan Hartman-Marcus Kruger-Marian Hossa; John Hayden-Tanner Kero-Jordin Tootoo.