Keen Kane close to return for Blackhawks

It was the most important "pushing and shoving" of the season for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Patrick Kane was cleared for contact and practiced with the team on Monday. The dynamic winger, who broke his collarbone in February, then received medical clearance to play in Game 1 of the playoffs on Wednesday night in Nashville.

"Patrick has been working extremely diligently with his rehabilitation and has recently returned to full-contact practice without any difficulty," team physician Dr Michael Terry said in a release. "After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation."