Toews May Miss Opener With The Flu

April 21, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) brings the puck behind the Phoenix Coyotes net during the third period in game five of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena. The Blackhawks beat the Coyotes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A small hiccup happened on the way to the Chicago Blackhawks going to LA to start the season with a win.  Jonathan Toews missed practice Friday with the flu.  Toews has missed 22 straight regular season games dating back to last season when he was out with a concussion.  Brandon Saad skated in Toews place on the first line with Daniel Carcillo and Patrick Sharp at practice today.

Coach Quenneville stated that Toews was showing improvement and is still a possibility to play Saturday afternoon in the season opener in LA.  The Blackhawks kick off the season with 10 road games in their first twelve so getting off to a slow start with Toews in the sick bed is not how the Hawks were looking forward to starting 2013.

The Hawks season kicks off in less than 24 hours and the Toews development is disturbing but at least its a flu scare and not like last years concussion symptoms.  What do you think? Can the Hawks go on the road without Toews and pull out a huge W?

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