Hawks get good news about Toews, Seabrook

The news on Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was encouraging Thursday with coach Joel Quenneville saying both Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook might be able to play Saturday against Nashville.

Toews and Seabrook are believed to have suffered concussion-like symptoms in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Vancouver.

Toews was hurt on a crunching check from Canucks defenseman Willie Mitchell early in the third period while Seabrook was banged up late in the third as he was killing a penalty.

"Seabs and Johnny both presented well today and progressed well overnight, so it's encouraging in those regards," Quenneville said following Thursday's practice. "They could both play (Saturday)."

Toews and Seabrook would need to pass NHL-mandated testing for concussions again Friday to be cleared to play.

"They have to go through the protocol before they get on the ice, so procedurally we'll see how they present again tomorrow," Quenneville said.

Toews' teammates were also encouraged when Toews showed up at the United Center on Thursday.

"He seems fine today, like his same old self, so that's good," Patrick Kane said.

"He's a tough kid," Patrick Sharp said.

Toews never saw Mitchell coming out of the penalty box as he accepted a pass in the neutral zone and got blind-sided by the 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman.

"It's a tough play all around," Hawks defenseman Cam Barker said. "I don't think it's a dirty hit, but it's a tough play. He's out of the box two steps and the guy passes to him. "It's an open-ice hit, maybe a little bit of a blind-side, but I think for the most part everyone's going to take that hit. Willie Mitchell is a physical player and that's his job. John was just in the wrong spot."

Duncan Keith, Dave Bolland and Andrew Ladd sat out practice Thursday with Toews and Seabrook for "maintenance," according to Quenneville.

As for Saturday's starting goalie, Quenneville will make that announcement on Friday.