Blackhawks @ Minnesota 10/4/07 Game Thread
Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:12 pm
Still some preseason games left, but season opener is getting me pretty excited.
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Havlat, Ruutu, Toews go at full speed
By Chris Kuc | Tribune staff reporter
10:07 PM CDT, October 2, 2007
Some good news hit the ice for the Blackhawks on Tuesday as all 23 players on the opening-night roster practiced at full speed.
Martin Havlat, Tuomo Ruutu and Jonathan Toews, who had all been sidelined recently with injuries, participated in drills at the Edge in Bensenville as the team prepared for Thursday night's opener at Minnesota.
While coach Denis Savard said "it felt good" to see everyone practice, he said the three would likely be game-time decisions. Havlat has been slowed by a sore groin, Ruutu a sore knee and Toews a broken finger.
"During the whole practice I didn't feel any pain," Havlat said. "One more [Wednesday], and then I'm ready to go.."
Toews, 19, the team's top draft pick and third overall in 2006, broke the index finger of his right hand in an exhibition game Sept. 19 and is eager to make his NHL debut.
"I didn't want to be left out of the mix any longer than I was, so it was good to get back out there," Toews said. "It's not 100 percent yet, so I'm going to keep working on it."
It's Kane time
Savard said No. 1 overall draft pick Patrick Kane would make his NHL debut Thursday night. "He'll be in," Savard said. "It's his first game, and he should be in. I'll evaluate him day by day and see where he's at."
i'm so psyched.... im just pissed i cant watch any games in st. louis... think i'm going to a game over fall break though... go hawks baby!
