The Blackhawks, who don't play again until Thursday, held an optional skate Tuesday morning at the United Center and every injured player took to the ice.
First, the short-term news: Defenseman Cam Barker and winger Marian Hossa skated as they look to make their way into the lineup Thursday against the Blue Jackets.
Barker has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury while Hossa sat out Sunday night's 3-1 loss to the Ducks with a lower-body injury.
"It was a good sign (Hossa) skated today," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "(Wednesday) we'll get a better assessment in practice if he can play on Thursday or not. Hopefully that's going to be a go and he's going to be ready.
"(Barker) is kind of like Hossa: He'll skate (Wednesday) and we'll get a better idea after practice if he's able to go on Thursday."
As far as the long term, Dave Bolland, who has missed the last 33 games following back surgery, skated as well. It marked the first time the center has skated since undergoing surgery Nov. 10 to repair a herniated disc.
"Today was the first day and it went well," Bolland said. "I was glad to get those skates on because it's been boring hanging out in the training room and in the gym. I couldn't wait to get them on.
"No more pain down my leg, no more numbness," Bolland added. "Everything's been going really well. It started all last season and I played with it all. Toward the end of the season we tried to take care of it. The stuff we did never rewally worked to shrink it."
Forward Adam Burish, recovering from knee surgery he had following an injury during the preseason, also skated Monday as he continues his rehab.
Bolland could be back prior to the Feb. 15 Olympic break while Burish is projected to return in March.
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