Blackhawks' Kane close, but not there yet

While Marian Hossa returned to the lineup Sunday night, the Blackhawks felt it best to wait a little longer with Patrick Kane.

Kane will attempt to make it through a full practice today on his healing sprained left ankle before there's a decision made on his availability for Tuesday's game at St. Louis.

Kane injured his ankle three weeks ago, which was what the Hawks estimated he would be sidelined. He skated Sunday morning for the first time since early last week and felt better, although there still was some pain.

“I think today was definitely a step in the right direction,” Kane said. “I don't want to put a date on it because I know I have before and then I look like an idiot when I don't show up for the game.

“I'm just going to take it day by day right now and hopefully I'll have a full practice and feel good after that too.”

If Kane doesn't make it back Tuesday, the Hawks' next game is Thursday against San Jose.

“It's a little tender, but it's definitely a lot better than it was last week,” Kane said. “It's one of those things that feels right when you walk on it and then you put it in a boot and it feels a little bit different.”

Rested and ready

Marian Hossa credited three straight days off the ice with helping him be ready to return Sunday. Hossa missed 10 games with a suspected knee injury suffered Nov. 29 in a collision with teammate Nick Boynton during practice.

“Obviously the extra few days definitely helped,” Hossa said. “I feel loose again on the ice and felt good.

“When you're coming from injury you have to feel comfortable and I'm at that level. Obviously the real battle will tell how good it is, but I feel mentally strong and that's the important thing.”

Surprise start

Marty Turco was told Saturday night that Corey Crawford was ill and wouldn't be able to play Sunday. Turco started for the first time since Dec. 13 at Colorado when he was pulled after the first period.

“He's a pro and I'm sure he wants to get back in the net,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “I like his approach. It's been good; he's positive, he's upbeat and he's been supportive of Craw and waiting his time. We've had some recent success, but at the same time I think he wants to play.”

Tip-ins

Patrick Kane bought his dad a Stanley Cup ring for Christmas just like the $30,000 rings the team got. ... Ryan Johnson and Jordan Hendry were the healthy scratches with Marian Hossa and Viktor Stalberg back from injuries.