Hawks lose injured Hossa for 2 weeks

The Blackhawks could be without right winger Marian Hossa for the next few weeks with the upper body injury he suffered in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Los Angeles.

“It's not of a serious nature, but he's going to be likely out up to a couple weeks,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said following Thursday's practice. “It's upper body so we'll leave it at that.”

It's suspected Hossa has a shoulder or arm injury and not a concussion.

Hossa has a history of shoulder problems. He missed the first 22 games of last season after having off-season surgery on his right shoulder.

Hossa was hurt early in the second period against the Kings, but Quenneville wouldn't pinpoint whether it happened on a check by Jarret Stoll.

“I don't know if it was a defining hit or anything like that,” Quenneville said. “You can't really tell.”

Hossa was off to a great start with 7 goals and 11 points in 11 games.

“Certainly he has been playing very well,” Quenneville said. “We have to tighten up defensively is probably the best way. Everybody has to accept that responsibility of playing a stronger team game. Last night we had him out for the majority of the game and found a way to come out on top.

“Our goaltending (from Marty Turco) has been very strong and that's helpful and the reason why we won, but the attention to detail defensively can enhance our game.”

Quenneville said Hossa would be able to do conditioning work while sidelined.

“The process works itself out and hopefully he gets back on the ice soon and be back before we know it,” Quenneville said.

The Hawks went 15-5-2 without Hossa to start last season, but that was a team with a lot more scoring depth.

“Hopefully he's OK,” said Patrick Sharp, who leads the Hawks with 9 goals and 12 points. “We need him back because he's a big part of our team. Even if he's not scoring goals he draws a lot of the top checkers and does much to help our team.

“It's the same old story: Someone has to step and replace that, but I don't think it's fair to put No. 81's expectations on one person's shoulders. It takes a group effort and a lot of guys to play well.”