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Blackhawks' Patrick Kane to return for Game 1 vs. Nashville

Sean Leahy
·Contributing writer
Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

Tuesday was a great day for the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only did Patrick Kane announced he would return for Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, he also showed off his beautiful, glorious playoff haircut.

Sadly, Brandon Saad won't be joining Kane with a playoff mullet, according to the barber.

Kane broke his clavicle on Feb. 24, with the official prognosis stating the Blackhawks forward would be sidelined for 12 weeks. That was seven weeks ago. He was recently cleared for contact and on Tuesday was given the green light by doctors for full participation.

From Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times:

“Obviously, there was a decision with the management and the front office to make sure everyone was on board with it, on the same page, and not feeling like I was rushed back or anything,” [Kane] said. “It was just a smart decision from everyone. It made sense. By no means is it anything that we rushed back."

That sound you heard? The Nashville Predators collectively gulping.

Kane skated on Tuesday with his PB&K linemates Brad Richards and Kris Versteeg. But we all know how Joel Quenneville’s line blender is set to go on at any moment, so it may not be long into Wednesday's Game 1 before the Blackhawks head coach moves No. 88 around.

Kane's return will make the Blackhawks an even bigger Stanley Cup favorite. Their line on Bovada has already moved from 8/1 to 7/1. It also increases the chances of hearing Quenneville shout “Peanut butter!” after goals this postseason, which is never a bad thing.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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