The Blackhawks expect to have captain Jonathan Toews back this week to help steer them to the finish line of this lost season.
Toews practiced Monday in preparation for Wednesday's road game against the Blues. After missing the last five games with an upper body injury, he hopes to play in the final three, including Friday's home finale against the Blues and Saturday's season finale at the Jets.
"I feel great," Toews said. "It was good to get to get out there with the guys on the ice today. At the end of the day, we're all disappointed as to where we're at. Disappointing season. Not playing meaningful games to try and make the playoffs. I've got to say it's no fun to sit on the side and let the guys battle it out."
Toews has 20 goals this season, one fewer than the career-low he set last season. His 52 points are two fewer than his career-low of 54 in 2007-08. That year, his rookie season, he played in 64 games. This year he has played 74.
