Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews expecting to return for opening playoff game against Coyotes

Chicago Blackhawks' Corey Crawford, center, is flanked by Patrick Kane (88) and Jonathan Toews (19) as they wait for a shot on goal during practice Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blackhawks and the Phoenix Coyotes are scheduled to play Game 1 of an opening-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Chicago captain Jonathan Toews is expected to play in the opening game of the Blackhawks' playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday night.

Toews missed the final 22 games of the regular season because of a concussion, but has been practicing with the team this week in preparation for the playoffs.

Toews said he felt no concussion-like symptoms at practice Wednesday at Phoenix's Jobing.com Arena, though a decision about whether he'll play isn't expected to be made until Thursday.

A superb two-way player, Toews had 29 goals and 28 assists in 59 games this season, and is expected to give the Blackhawks a big lift against the defence-oriented Coyotes.