Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell may miss more time in the Stanley Cup Final due to an unknown injury or ailment that appears to be related to his head. It’s unclear what exactly is bothering Bickell or when the injury might have occurred, but the team is holding him out for the time being while he recovers.
Bickell missed Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning for unknown reasons. After practice in Tampa on Monday, he gave indications that he may have suffered a head injury.
“I don’t know exactly what it is. It comes and goes,” Bickell said as he met with the media Monday. He added that this is the first time he has had this issue, and described it as “frustrating” to have it happen in the playoffs. The 29-year-old passed a concussion test recently, so it’s possible he’s dealing with migraines or vertigo instead.
Whatever is causing Bickell’s discomfort, he hopes to be able to play in Game 2 at Amalie Arena on Saturday. The team hasn’t ruled it out but it’s also possible he’s sidelined for a bit.
Whether it’s migraines or vertigo or whatever for Bryan Bickell, he said he will let #Blackhawks know when he’s ready to return to lineup.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 5, 2015
If Bickell is unable to play, Kris Versteeg will likely remain in the lineup. Versteeg has one goal in eight games this postseason. Bickell has five assists.