CHICAGO - Centre Brad Richards is ready to go.

Same for defenceman Kimmo Timonen.

And superstar forward Patrick Kane isn't far behind.

Not only does Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville expect his star right wing to play in Chicago's opening-round playoff series against the Predators, Kane might be ready for Wednesday night's opener in Nashville.

"Absolutely in the series," Quenneville said about Kane's return from a broken collarbone that has kept him out of the Blackhawks' final 21 games of the regular season.

"When? We'll have a better indication after tomorrow's practice."

Kane received clearence for full participation form the Blackhawks head team physician Dr. Terry on Monday evening, after practicing earlier in the day.

Kane has made strong progress after suffering his injury on Feb. 24 against Florida and undergoing surgery the next day. Originally, his return was projected at 10 to 12 weeks.

But Kane was cleared for contact and practiced with his teammates on Monday. Although he wasn't hit hard, he's close to getting back into regular action.

That would be a huge boost for Chicago. Kane was leading the Blackhawks with 27 goals and 64 points when he was checked into the boards hard by the Panthers' Alex Petrovic and left that game in the first period. He also was tied for the NHL lead in points.

"We'll see how he does again tomorrow." Quenneville said. "I thought he had real good progress today. He got cleared for contact and handled everything pretty well."

So could Kane be in the lineup Wednesday?

"Yeah, he could," Quenneville said.

Kane wasn't hit hard in practice on Monday, but said he's nearly ready for the physical demands of a game.

"I wouldn't necessarily call that contact," he said of Monday's skate at the Blackhawks practice facility. "It was more like pushing and shoving."

Kane said his return hinges on getting medical clearance.

"I feel pretty good," he said. "Obviously itching to play. Any hockey player who would be in this situation where you're off for almost seven weeks (would be).

"But obviously you don't want to go back to Square One. You want to be able to contribute and be able to help the team out."

Veterans Richards and Timonen, who were acquired to give Chicago depth for a long playoff run, both said they're ready for the post-season after missing the last three regular-season games with upper-body injuries.

Richards and Timonen joined the Blackhawks with the hope of making one more run at a Stanley Cup.

Richards signed a one-year, $2 million free-agent contract with the Blackhawks last summer after being bought out by the New York Rangers.

The centre, who turns 35 on May 2, is on the second half of a stellar career, but has produced in spurts for Chicago this season. He had 12 goals and 37 points in 76 games.

"Today was another day that was a step in the right direction for Kaner and for other guys," Richards said. "Either way, it's exciting for everybody ... the best part of what we do is starting Wednesday night."

The 40-year-old Timonen joined the Blackhawks in a trade deadline deal with Philadelphia to give them experience and depth on defence. He hadn't played all season for the Flyers as he recovered from a blood disorder that caused potentially dangerous clotting.

He averaged just under 12 minutes of ice time per game in 16 games with Chicago.