Blackhawks' Toews misses practice; Bowman 'hopeful' Crawford may be close

Another day, another wrinkle.

And another potential headache for Blackhawks fans.

While defensemen Connor Murphy and Calvin de Han returned to the ice for the first time since last week, Jonathan Toews was deemed “unfit to participate” in Tuesday's practice by coach Jeremy Colliton.

Toews left halfway through Monday's practice to keep fresh, and it's possible that the Hawks simply gave their captain a full day off. But because they must keep using the “unfit” terminology, it's impossible to know for sure.

Asked for his thoughts on the NHL's new policy on injuries or absences, Colliton said that “having a blanket statement allows time for things sort out. … A lot of times you're asked to make an assessment right away we don't know. So instead of having to guess … (we can say) he's just not available. And that's how it is.

“It was obviously very important to (the players) that they didn't want the COVID thing to be drug into the public and the media. So we've got to respect that.”

The Hawks are off Wednesday, then will practice at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Time is running short for Corey Crawford to return, but it's beginning to sound like that may happen before the team leaves for Edmonton on Sunday.

“We are hopeful on that,” said GM Stan Bowman after the Hawks' 90-minute practice at Fifth Third Arena. “We'll be able to give you a better idea toward the weekend. Something we're still shooting for, but I don't have any definitive comment. Still hoping that's the case.”

Even if it is, could Crawford really be ready to face the Oilers for Game 1 of the teams' play-in series on August 1? After all, the 35-year-old hasn't been on the ice during training camp and may only get a half dozen practices and an exhibition game to get his timing back.

“If there's one guy who could step in, it would be him,” said defenseman Duncan Keith. “We'll wait and see. Hopefully he comes back and stands on his head.”

As for Crawford's replacements, there doesn't appear to be much separation between Malcolm Subban, Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen.

“They've competed hard,” Colliton said. “They've all had good days; I don't think they've had bad days.

“So that's exciting. The minimum level has been high and we're preparing them as best we can. I know they're excited about the opportunity and we'll let it play out.

Murphy, out since last Thursday, participated in pre-practice drills, then left the ice shortly before 11 a.m. De Haan, out since last Monday due to a family emergency, spent about an hour on Fifth Third's second rink as the team scrimmaged.

Getting both players back to 100 percent is obviously a huge priority for the Hawks, whose fifth through eighth D-men have included Nicolas Beaudin, Nick Seeler, Lucas Carlsson and Brent Seabrook.

“Obviously our defense is a little thin right now with the guys scrimmaging and playing based on experience,” Keith said. “Having Murphy and de Haan - that would certainly give a boost.”

Tuesday's stars:

Goalie Kevin Lankinen impressed during a power-play drill and during a two-period scrimmage Tuesday at Fifth Third Arena.

Dylan Sikura was one of the more noticeable forwards. He scored the game-winning OT goal in the second scrimmage for Team Black and also did a decent job handling Jonathan Toews' role on the top power-play unit.

“We like his skating and he's skilled,” said coach Jeremy Colliton. “Today was a perfect example of when he's good, what it looks like. He looked very confident with the puck and he scored. He had a good game.”

Sikura scored a goal and had 2 assists in nine games with the Hawks this season and added 14 goals in 45 games with Rockford. He's vying for a spot on the fourth line alongside David Kampf and Ryan Carpenter.