Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou left a game at Tampa Bay on Nov. 9, 2023 derailed by a mysterious “groin” injury. The normally speedy 29-year-old wasn’t spotted back on the ice until he skated on his own following Saturday’s optional practice at the Fifth Third Arena.

Coach Luke Richardson hopes Athanasiou, one of only two 20-goal scorers on last year’s Blackhawks team, is finally on track and will play again this season.

“I don’t know where this will go timetable-wise, but it was a good first step on the ice,” Richardson said. “He had a good gym day, yesterday or the last two days, which led to this.

“If he can obviously progress to practices, non-contact probably soon… That’s just a good sign and I’m happy with that today, and he seems in a good mood.” See following video.

Off the Rails

Chicago won that Nov. 9 contest against the Lightning 5-3 in Connor Bedard’s first multi-point effort in the NHL (two goals, two assists). The dead-last Blackhawks have dropped 20 in a row on the road since that electric Thursday night when a wave of injuries started to hit and their season began to unravel.