Toews, Kane paired at practice as Quenneville exercises 'nuclear option'

Joel Quenneville's hoping that pairing Jonathan Toews with Patrick Kane will encourage another postseason escape for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Toews and Kane skated with Richard Panik at the morning skate ahead of Game 5 versus the St. Louis Blues, as the Blackhawks - with their backs against the wall, down 3-1 - turn to what Quenneville's called his "nuclear option."

He employed a similar strategy last year, when the Blackhawks were down 3-2 in the Western Conference Final against the Anaheim Ducks, and won Games 6 and 7.

Teuvo Teravainen will step into Kane's role, skating with Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin, while Andrew Ladd and Marian Hossa will shift to the third unit.