Feb. 15--While Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa is not expected to miss a prolonged period of time, coach Joel Quenneville said Monday the Hawks are expecting Hossa out "a couple of weeks."
Quenneville said it's likely Hossa will be out for two weeks.
"Hopefully two weeks is probably what we're looking at," Quenneville said.
The Hawks placed Hossa on injured reserve Sunday after Hossa suffered an apparent left leg injury in the Hawks' 3-2 overtime loss to the Ducks on Saturday.
Hossa fell to the ice after receiving a hip check from the Ducks' Hampus Lindholm.
"It's a good test and certainly you get a good look at some guys," Quenneville said. "There's great opportunity, power play, penalty killing, important minutes, defensive situations, last-minute periods in games -- all quality ice time you want to have out there. Guys will be pushing for the opportunity to get it and hopefully they can take advantage."
It seems as if Richard Panik will get the first crack to take Hossa's spot on the right wing of the top line with Jonathan Toews. Panik will be facing his former team, the Maple Leafs, Monday at the United Center. Andrew Shaw, who plays left wing on that line, left Monday's morning skate because of a cut he suffered early in the practice session.
Scott Darling will get the start in net Monday. Darling picked up a victory over the Leafs on Jan. 15. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson will be a scratch for the second consecutive game.
