SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Marian Hossa made it official today: The winger will make his Blackhawks debut Wednesday night when they take on the Sharks at HP Pavilion.
Hossa, who had shoulder surgery shortly after signing a 12-year, $62.8 million free-agent contract with the Hawks on July 1, practiced on a line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane during the team's practice today and they will start that way against the Sharks.
"I feel good," Hossa said. "The shoulder feels pretty stong. I've been waiting for this moment. I don't think it's going to get any better right now. The test was if I practiced well and there was no pain and I feel comfortable, there would be the green light and it's been four months and I feel that way."
Hossa skated on the right side with Kane moving to the left side between Toews. He also practiced with the No. 1 power-play unit.
"Sometimes you're not sure but I'm happy," Hossa, 30, said. "I feel good on the ice and I'm ready to go."
The veteran said he will "keep it simple and just use my instincts" against the Sharks, who lead the Western Conference with a 16-5-4 record. The Hawks are second at 15-5-2.
"Especially at the beginning, it's a new team and I havent play a game yet with these guys so I'll try to blend right in. My goal is to get into game speed."
Here are the forward lines during Tuesday's practice:
Kane--Toews--Hossa
Byfuglien--Versteeg--Sharp
Ladd--Madden--Brouwer
Eager--Fraser--Kopecky
An intriguing sight during Wednesday's game would be to see the Kane-Toews-Hossa line on the ice at the same time as the Sharks' top line of Heatley-Thornton-Marleau. Those are six of the top players in the NHL and likely the top two lines in the league.
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According to San Jose websites, nobody is even close to being as good as Heatley-Thornton-Marleau.
Don't even think about it...
he he he....
the run to the cup begins!!