Marian Hossa injury: Blackhawks forward expects to play Friday

Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa stated during his media availability on Friday afternoon that he fully intends to play in the team's game against the San Jose Sharks on Friday night.

Hossa had sustained a head injury on Wednesday night when playing against the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver forward Jannik Hansen made contact with Hossa's head while both players attempted to gain control of a puck that was in mid-air. Hossa fell to the ice and remained there for some time.

Having sustained a concussion last April, there was concern that he potentially sustained another.

However, Hossa was examined on Thursday and stated on Friday that all of his tests showed that he was healthy. Hossa stated that he would not play in the game if he had any doubt and expressed that he felt good.

The Blackhawks will look to set an NHL record on Friday night. The club has gone 16 consecutive games without a regulation loss to start the season, which ties the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks for the longest such streak in NHL history. If they record a regulation win or force overtime, they will gain sole possesion of the record.

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