GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jonathan Toews will miss his fifth consecutive game for the Blackhawks when they take on the Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on Thursday night.
Toews participated in the morning skate with teammates but isn't yet ready to return from a concussion suffered Oct. 21 after a hit by the Canucks' Willie Mitchell. The Hawks' captain returned to the ice for the first time Wednesday as he joined teammates for practice.
"It's only been two days I've been back on the ice so it's more than just feeling good, it's about getting your game and getting your legs under you a little bit," Toews said following Thursday's morning skate. "I'll keep working hard and have a couple of good workouts here and see how it goes. Hopefully I'll keep progressing."
Toews was unsure whether he would return for the Hawks' game against the Avalanche in Colorado on Friday night.
"We'll take it day by day just like we have the last couple of weeks," Toews said. "Today was better than yesterday and hopefully tomorrow is the same case. We'll see how everything goes at the morning skate (Friday) morning.
"I feel great out there and I feel like myself but when you're off your feet for two weeks you have to get your legs back and sometimes it takes one or two practices."
Ben Eager will miss his 12th consecutive game as he recovers from a concussion. The winger has been practicing with the Hawks and could return Friday against the Avalanche.
Winger Marian Hossa also participated in the morning skate but is still not cleared for contact drills.
One-timers: Cristobal Huet will be making his fifth consecutive start in goal for the Hawks. The veteran netminder has allowed four goals total in the last four games (3-1-0). ... The Coyotes are playing the second of back-to-back games after having lost 4-1 in Colorado on Wednesday night. ... The Hawks swept Phoenix last year, outscoring it 20-4 in four games.
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