Blackhawks' Patrick Kane will return for Game 1 vs. Predators

Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Kane said he will play in Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Nashville Predators.

Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Kanesaid Tuesday that he will play in Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

The team announced Monday that Kane had been medically cleared for full participation. Earlier in the day, coach Joel Quenneville said Kane could return for the playoff opener.

Kane, 26, was injured during Chicago's victory over the Florida Panthers on Feb. 24. He underwent surgery the next day, and the team announced he would need 12 weeks to recover. He returned to practice in a no-contact jersey on April 1.

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Kane told reporters that he will make his return on Wednesday and also announced his return on Twitter.

"That's the plan," Kane said after practice.

Great to be back for the playoffs. Thank you to all the great fans for the many well wishes over the last seven weeks!

— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) April 14, 2015

In 61 games this season, Kane scored 27 goals and added 37 assists to finish second on the team with 64 points. Kane played in his fourth All-Star Game earlier this season.

The Blackhawks finished 48-28-6 and earned the No. 3 seed in the Central Division. They play at the Predators on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Chicago won three of the four regular season meetings between the team’s this season.

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- Paul Palladino