Sunday, Oct. 3, 20106:08 PM
By Tracey MyersCSNChicago.com
Brian Campbell was feeling the disappointment any competitor would, knowing that an injury was costing him the start of the season. But the Blackhawks defensemen said hes hoping to be back from the sprained MCL injury sooner rather than later.
Campbell talked to the media prior to the Blackhawks preseason finale against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon. His knee injury, which will not require surgery, will sideline Campbell for 4-5 weeks but hes hoping to be skating in about three weeks. Campbell said the knee hyper-extended when Pittsburgh Penguins forward Eric Tangradi hit him near the boards on Friday night.
He didnt come and hit me hard or wasnt trying to hit me too much, but at the last second his knee went straight on mine, Campbell said. If his knee had been a little bit to the left or right its nothing. It was just the way he hit me straight on. My knee buckled straight back. They dont like to move that way.
While Campbell recuperates, 19-year-old Nick Leddy gets an opportunity to play. Leddy, paired with Niklas Hjalmarsson on Sunday, has been a steady presence along the blue line throughout training camp.
Campbell said hell continue his off-ice workouts until he can get back on skates. He will also have to wear a brace, which could pose at least some initial adjustments from the defenseman who relies so much on his speed.
Thats going to be interesting to get used to for a while, said Campbell. I know other guys who have had to wear them. I got that in the back of my mind, so Ill see how thats going to affect me. I cant get too far ahead of myself. Itll be different the first couple of times so Ill have to get used to it quick.
If there is a silver lining it sounds like everything is structurally sound with Campbells knee. Sure, hell miss the first few weeks of the season, but once everything is healed and strong again, he should be back to form.
Its going to be tough missing the start of the season. Im pretty disappointed in that. We want to get out to a fast start, Campbell said. But Ill be pulling for the boys and getting back as soon as I can.
Tracey
Myers is CSNChicago.com’s Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on
Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute
Hawks information.
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