By Paul M. Banks
You all saw Alexander Ovechkin’s big hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell. You all discussed whther you thought it was a clean hit, a cheap shot, or something designated by a term residing in a grey area somewhere. To quote “Fletch”…”how gray? charcoal!” But enough about the past, when is “Soupy” returning? Well, the Hawks will have to advance a couple rounds in the Stanley Cup playoffs for Chicago to see him in action again this season.
The following statement was issued today by Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry:
“Brian Campbell suffered a clavicle fracture and a rib fracture on Sunday. He will likely avoid surgery and we anticipate a full recovery. He should be ready to play in approximately seven to eight weeks.”
Campbell, 30, ranks second among Blackhawks defensemen in goals (7), assists (31) and points (38) and shares second with a +18 plus/minus game while appearing in each of the club’s 68 games this season. The Strathroy, Ontario, native and three-time National Hockey League All-Star has racked up 90 points (14G, 76A) in 150 regular-season contests and 10 points (2G, 8A) in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff tilts during his two seasons with Chicago. Overall, Campbell has recorded 285 points (49G, 236A) in 561 career NHL regular-season games spanning 10 years with the Buffalo Sabres (1999-2008), San Jose Sharks (2008) and Blackhawks (2008-10)
Sunday marked the 388th consecutive regular-season game that Campbell was in the lineup, the second-longest streak among active NHL defensemen.