Clowe out Thursday, maybe longer

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SAN JOSESharks forward Ryane Clowe doesnt have a timeline to return from a fracture in his face, but hinted that he may be sidelined until after the NHL All-Star break at the end of the month.

I think the fact that weve got four games, then a week off, its probably looking towards that a little bit, he said at Sharks Ice on Wednesday. It is day-to-day, and I dont know if Ill play before then or if I wont play before then. I wish we could say a timeline, but I just dont know.

Clowe was checked face-first into the glass by Minnesotas Justin Falk on Jan. 10, but played in the teams three subsequent games while wearing a cagethat is, until he removed it during Sundays 4-3 loss in Chicago.

I got hit in Minnesota and the cage was on there to protect a facial fracture. Then it was just kind of annoying me, and I think we decided it was better just to rest and let it heal. Thats where were at.

Clowe also ruled out that the injury is anything concussion related, and isnt having any symptoms that might suggest he suffered a head injury. He is not scheduled to undergo any of the testing that is administered to concussion victims.

He admitted that removing the cage against the Blackhawks might not have been the best decision.

Maybe looking back, I could have been taking a chance, he said. Ive went 40 games without getting bumped on that part of the face, and youre willing sometimes to take that risk.

Hes also not having any trouble breathing due to the injury.

Nothing more than usual with this nose, he joked.

The Sharks play at home against Ottawa on Thursday before a three-game road trip through Canada leading up to the break, which begins on Jan. 25. San Jose hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 31.

Desjardins cleared

Andrew Desjardins passed his baseline concussion test on Wednesday morning and has been cleared to return. Desjardins was hit illegally in the head by Columbus Dane Byers on Saturday, and has missed the last two games.

Both he and Todd McLellan were relieved that hes able to return so soon, since head injuries are so unpredictable.

I was kind of anxious the whole day to get the test and the results and everything, Desjardins said. Its a good day.

The rookie center skated on Tuesday at HP Pavilion, and was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

McLellan used the example of David Perron when referencing the unpredictability of concussions. Perron missed more than a year after getting hit by Joe Thornton during a game against the Sharks last season with a head injury.

You can refer back to the David Perron hit from last year, where he finished the game, felt not bad the next day, and then days later it took him an awful long time to come back.

Fortunately for us, Desi did a good job in his recovery, and seems to be very fresh.

One more medical notedefenseman Jason Demers took a maintenance day on Wednesday but will play against Ottawa on Thursday.

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