Coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged Sunday that Kane (upper body) could make his return to the lineup during the first round of the playoffs, Paul Skrbina of the Chicago Tribune reports. "Tough to say," Quenneville said, regarding a potential first-round return for Kane. "Medical clearance is the hurdle...that's where it's at." The club line had previously been that Kane remains on a 12-week recovery timetable, which would prevent the star winger from playing until mid-to-late May, or the third round of the playoffs. However, after Kane was able to resume skating with the team last week and participated in Sunday's morning session, it appears Quenneville has softened his stance on the matter. Kane can't be activated from long-term during the remainder of the regular season due to salary-cap restrictions, but if he continues to show improved condition over the next few days, the 25-year-old will generate more optimism that he might be able to make an early postseason return.