Keith returns, and maybe Toews, too
One thing we know for sure is that Duncan Keith will be back in the lineup Thursday in Minnesota.
One thing we think we know but don't know for sure is that he might be joined on the ice by Jonathan Toews.
As the Blackhawks are apt to say … we'll see.
Toews skated again with teammates Tuesday at Johnny's Ice House and sounded optimistic about returning for Thursday's rematch with the Wild.
“I hope so,” he said. “I haven't made a decision for Thursday yet. We have another full day before that. We'll have a practice with the guys and we'll see how it goes. On Thursday I think we'll make a decision.”
Coach Joel Quenneville said when it comes to deciding whether Toews should or shouldn't be in the lineup, the ball is strictly in the captain's court.
“Well, it's up to him. I know that he's progressing enough that he'll make that call,” Quenneville said. “Whether he gets in before the end of the year, that's to be determined. We've still got time (before the playoffs) if he doesn't get in, but we'll see.”
Toews, who has missed 20 games with concussion symptoms, said the determining factor will be how he feels in the days leading up to the game.
“It's tough to really know 110 percent if the time is right to go back in and play,” he said. “You've just got to have that instinct that it feels right, that it's time to play. Today was a good day, and hopefully tomorrow is the same way, and like I said, we'll see.
“I'm just excited to get back there, whenever that's going to be. One way or another, I just want to get back.”
There's no wait and see for Keith, who will be back after serving a five-game suspension for an elbow to the head of Vancouver's Daniel Sedin.
“It's been awhile, five games, but it seems to go by quickly,” Keith said. “I'm looking forward to getting back here and helping the team for the last couple games and in the playoffs.
“I feel good. I feel stronger than I was before, so hopefully it pays off.”
Perhaps the suspension was a blessing in disguise?
“I don't think taking a suspension is ever a good thing, but I think if you're trying to look at the positives, getting some rest at this time of the year could be beneficial,” he said. “But I didn't feel like I needed rest.”
Quenneville was asked how pumped he'd be if he got the chance to add No. 2 … and No. 19 to the lineup card Thursday.
“Well, it would be nice to get Johnny back before the end of the season,” he said. “Duncs, I think is pretty familiar and he'll be back with Seabs as a pair. It'll be nice to get a couple of games before the end of the season for Duncs as well to get back playing.
“Hopefully we get a chance to get both of them here and get ready.”
We'll see.
mspellman@dailyherald.com