By Bennet Hayes<\/p>\n
Chicago\u2019s winter got a little gloomier Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Within the span of hours Tuesday night, news broke of injuries to both Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. The ailments \u2013 a torn meniscus in the right knee for Rose and a left clavicle fracture for Kane \u2013 will sideline two of the city\u2019s biggest sports stars for weeks and possibly months.<\/p>\n
The Blackhawks and Bulls, each harboring legitimate championship aspirations, are now left to scramble. Kane underwent surgery Wednesday and will miss approximately 12 weeks, according to team doctors. Rose\u2019s timetable for return is less certain, but it\u2019s possible his 2014-15 season is over.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a sense throughout Bears season that we had these two teams waiting at the end,\u201d said Comcast SportsNet Chicago personality David Kaplan. \u201cThey were something to look forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rose\u2019s injury woes have been well-documented. A torn ACL in his left knee during the 2012 playoffs, and a meniscus tear in his right in Nov. of 2013, limited the 2011 MVP to just 10 total games played over the last two seasons. Until Tuesday, this season had marked a return to health for the Chicago native. Rose, who is averaging 18.4 points and 5.0 assists per game, played in 46 of the Bulls\u2019 57 contests.<\/p>\n
Kane\u2019s absence will be a new problem for the Blackhawks. In recent years, the franchise has managed to dodge significant injuries to key players. Arguably their most important player, Kane has never missed more than 13 games in any of his seven NHL seasons and had not missed a game this season. With 27 goals and 37 assists on the year, he was considered a frontrunner for MVP honors.<\/p>\n
Kane, whose injury resulted from a first-period cross-check from Florida\u2019s Alex Petrovic, was placed on long-term injured reserve, which will keep him out at least 24 calendar days and 10 regular-season games. The NHL regular-season ends April 11 and playoffs begin the following week.<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, news of the injuries dominated conversation Wednesday in a city that has been known to live and die with its sports teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout Kane I don\u2019t think they can make the Stanley Cup finals,\u201d said attorney Erin Fiore, 34. \u201cBut I think there is a lot of hope still in Chicago \u2013 even with our crappy sports teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mike Compernolle, 29, a Chicago logistics analyst, agreed the injuries have done a number on morale in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look at all five teams and these were easily the two closest to winning championships,\u201d he said. \u201cNow you lose the two star players and it\u2019s pretty devastating.\u201d<\/p>\n
The newest chapter of Rose\u2019s complicated medical history has elicited a unique wave of emotion across the city. ESPN\u2019s Sarah Spain captured much of the sentiment last night when she wrote, via Twitter<\/a>: \u201cI think I’m in shock. Having trouble processing this happening…again.\u201d<\/p>\n I think I’m in shock. Having trouble processing this happening…again.<\/p>\n