For the first time in almost a month, Corey Crawford's goalie equipment rested at the ready in his locker stall at the United Center.
The Blackhawks goalie, who has been on injured reserve with an upper-body injury since Dec. 27, isn't quite ready to return to the ice.
But Joel Quenneville said that day is getting closer.
Crawford worked out Monday and Tuesday at the United Center.
"Had a good workout, feeling much better," Quenneville said after the team practiced Tuesday at the United Center. "When we get him on the ice soon, hopefully we'll get a better assessment."
Some of Crawford's teammates said they had a chance to catch up with him briefly during the last two days.
"It was nice to see him around and talk to him a little bit," Patrick Kane said.
The Blackhawks have gone 5-6-1 in the 12 games Crawford has missed.
He is 16-9-2 with a .929 save percentage and a 2.27 goals-against average this season.
Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith did not practice Tuesday, but both are OK, according to Quenneville.
Tommy Wingels was bleeding after taking a puck off the face during practice, but he's expected to be OK too.
