Quenneville in the hospital

The Blackhawks went into possibly their most important game of the season Wednesday night without head coach Joel Quenneville.

The 52-year-old coach was admitted to a hospital in stable condition Wednesday morning for an undisclosed health concern that Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said was not cardiac related.

“Joel presented severe discomfort late last night at his home in suburban Chicago,” Terry said in a statement issued Wednesday morning. “He is currently in stable condition and is being treated for an undisclosed health concern today, not of a cardiac nature. Further testing is ongoing, and we will provide an update when possible.”

Assistant coach Mike Haviland acted as head coach for the game against the Minnesota Wild, which the Hawks won 3-1.

The Hawks offered no medical update on Quenneville either before or after the game. Quenneville was believed to still be in the hospital Wednesday night, although a Hawks spokesman couldn't confirm that.

“I have not talked to Q,” Haviland said following the game. “I have no idea (if he watched the game). Obviously we're thinking of him.”

While concerned about their coach, the Hawks had to remain focused on the game against the Wild that was critical in the Western Conference standings.

“It's a tough thing to hear about and hopefully he's OK, but we still had a job to do,” goalie Corey Crawford said.

“I'm sure it was in their heads,” Haviland said. “I thought the guys did a great job. That's a gutsy effort right there. Our head coach not being here, coming back from the trip and certainly you're battling for every inch and every point now.

“I thought the guys played outstanding. Guys really stepped their game up.”

Haviland said before the game he expected the players to rise to the occasion for Quenneville.

“Our thoughts for sure are with him and his wife and his kids, but certainly these guys are professional and we know what's at hand,” Haviland said. “They asked a lot of questions, but we certainly don't have a lot of answers right now.”

Patrick Kane said before the game it would be strange without Quenneville behind the bench.

“Anytime you hear someone is in the hospital, I think it's definitely scary news,” Kane said. “It's tough not to have our leader behind the bench.”

Haviland normally runs the defense during games but handled the forwards. Assistant coach Mike Kitchen ran the defense.

There is no timetable for Quenneville's return. The Hawks' next game is Friday against Columbus at the United Center.

“We certainly wish Joel a speedy recovery and we will do everything possible to support him and his family throughout the process,” general manager Stan Bowman said.

Quenneville's illness is the latest setback for a Hawks team that has had its hands full much of the season battling injuries and, lately, sickness.

“It's a crazy year, definitely one that's been pretty challenging for a lot of us in here and especially for the whole organization,” Kane said. “But they say adversity makes you stronger. There's still time to do something special with the rest of the year.”