June 06--TAMPA, Fla. -- This much is known about Bryan Bickell's injury situation: The Blackhawks winger has some sort of malady that has his status Saturday night for Game 2 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final here in question.
Bickell missed Game 1 against the Lightning on Wednesday and after practice Friday said he's hopeful to play in Game 2 at Amalie Arena. Per hockey's unwritten rule, Bickell and coach Joel Quenneville won't disclose what is wrong, but it appears to have something to do with Bickell's head.
"I don't know exactly what it is, it's something that comes and goes," Bickell said. "It could come after I'm done talking to you, I don't know. It's one of those things I've never had before. It happened at this crucial time (and) this time of year it's frustrating. We're going to take it day by day and hopefully (Saturday). ... I'll feel better."
Bickell said the Hawks put him through concussion tests "and everything was clear."
Quenneville was adamant Bickell doesn't have a concussion.
"He passed the concussion test because he never had one," Quenneville said. "We'll see how he is. I'm not getting into the injury."
For Bickell, it's a waiting game for whatever ails him to clear.
"It could be (Friday) afternoon, it could be five minutes before the game (that) I could feel better," he said. "I don't know what's going to happen."
TVR watch: Those hoping for oft-injured defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to make his postseason debut might have to wait a little longer.
Van Riemsdyk, who has overcome a left patella fracture and fractured right wrist, said he is available to play in Game 2 on Saturday. But while Quenneville said he expects van Riemsdyk to play at some point in the series, the coach threw water on the notion that it would be in Game 2.
"He's available, but I think we'll probably keep the same group on the back end," Quenneville said.
That would mean David Rundblad and Kyle Cumiskey are likely to play again in Game 2, even though the pair combined for just 12 minutes, 23 seconds of ice time in Game 1.
Van Riemsdyk said he is eager to play and isn't worried about stepping onto the big stage.
"It would be an exciting challenge to get out there after being out for so long," van Riemsdyk said. "Obviously we have a great group in there that keeps your confidence up. ... Just try not to do too much or win the game on my own (when I play). That's not why I'm out there."
R Defenseman Duncan Keith and center Marcus Kruger did not participate in practice Friday, but Quenneville said the pair was just given a rest day.
