Bruins, Hawks hope missing stars return

BOSTON – Jonathan Toews watched the end of the fifth game of the Stanley Cup Final from the Blackhawks bench, unable to play after a hit to his head.

Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron was in a Chicago hospital after leaving the United Center by ambulance.

As the Stanley Cup Final approaches a sixth and potential clinching game tonight, the attention shifts from the players on the ice to the ones who might not make it there, including two of the top forwards and biggest stars in the series.

“It’s not the best situation for either team,” Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask said Sunday after both teams flew back to Boston. “But it’s a tough sport, and injuries happen. When you leave it all out there to help your team win, that’s all part of the game.”

Bergeron was injured in the second period of Game 5 on Saturday night, which the Blackhawks won 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. He made two brief appearances on the ice in the third period but something was obviously wrong and he was unable to complete either shift.

Toews, who won the Selke Award as the NHL’s top defensive forward – Bergeron was a finalist – missed the entire third period after a shot to the head from Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk.

“They’re both great players,” Chicago winger Patrick Sharp said. “I think any coach in the league, any player in the league would like to have those guys on their team. They’re both big parts of the locker room.

“I can’t speak for what Boston is dealing with, with Bergeron. I know I don’t need to say much about Jonathan. I think everyone knows what we think of him in our locker room. Hopefully we can have him back tonight.”