Blackhawks' Patrick Kane Out 12 Weeks
(CBS) -- The Blackhawks will be without star winger Patrick Kane for 12 weeks, that following a successful procedure Wednesday to repair a broken left clavicle suffered in the first period of Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers.
Kane, who entered Tuesday's game tied for the NHL lead in points with 64, was cross-checked with his left shoulder slumping into the boards. He left the ice favoring his left arm and wouldn't return. The 26-year-old Kane was operated on by Blackhawks team physician Michael Terry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
"Patrick underwent successful surgery today to repair his left clavicle fracture," Terry said in a prepared statement. "The procedure went very well, and we anticipate a full recovery in approximately 12 weeks."
The 12-week window leads well past the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs and into the Western Conference Final. Chicago currently holds 77 points and sits in fourth place of the conference, third in the Central Division and three points behind the St. Louis Blues, its projected first-round foe.
On the season, Kane has garnered attention for his stellar play, even earning recognition as a Hart Trophy candidate.
"He was well on his way," Blackhawks winger Kris Versteeg said after Tuesday's game. "I'm sure he's heartbroken right now."
Chicago returns to action on Thursday, when it once again plays the Florida Panthers, this time on the road. The Blackhawks capped off an extended eight-game homestand with a 3-2-3 record.
If the Blackhawks are to see Kane again this season, they'll have to extend it long enough without him.
One player who will be asked to help fill Kane's void is young forward Teuvo Teravainen, who was called up earlier Wednesday from AHL Rockford. Teravainen has recorded four points in 15 games with the Blackhawks this season.
