Weekend return for Kane?

The Blackhawks won't have Patrick Kane in the lineup for a second straight game tonight against Phoenix, and it's unlikely the all-star winger will be available Thursday at Colorado.

Kane didn't skate Monday, but he did accompany the team on the three-game road trip for games with Phoenix, Colorado and Nashville.

"I think we'll get a better assessment and idea when he gets on the ice," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "We're hoping by the end of the trip he has a chance to play."

That would appear to have the Hawks shooting for a Saturday return at Nashville, or possibly Sunday night for the rematch with the Predators at the United Center.

Kane has a high right ankle sprain, which is a tricky injury for a hockey player. Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby missed 28 games last season with a high ankle sprain, although Kane's injury doesn't appear to be as serious based on the fact he was able to play on it during the Winter Classic.

"There are different severities," Quenneville said. "Some are milder. I think the likelihood of hurting it is our concern. We feel were at a point where we can't do much more damage, but it's not an easy thing to deal with."

Kane was hurt Dec. 30 at Detroit and played two days later at Wrigley Field. Quennevile maintains Kane didn't do further damage to his ankle by playing in the Winter Classic.

"I think that was a concern going into the game," Quenneville said. "Everyone would have liked to be a part of that. It was probably the right thing at the time, but he didn't really set it back at all, so it kind of gives you an idea how serious in nature that it is.

"Giving him some rest right now isn't a bad idea. At the same time it's an injury that definitely needs some attention. Hopefully he can get on the ice and we'll have a better idea in the next day or two."