Richards (upper body) is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday's playoff opener against the Predators, ESPN Chicago's Scott Powers reports. Richards has practiced fully the last three days after missing the Blackhawks' final three regular-season contests, which probably offers enough indication that he's ready to go. In his return to the Blackhawks' second line, Richards will be rejoined by Patrick Kane, who was cleared to play Thursday after missing about seven weeks due to a broken collarbone. Richards' production even when playing next to Kane earlier in the year was rather disappointing, so postseason expectations for the veteran center should probably still be tempered.