Blackhawks say Campbell out 7-8 weeks

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks announced Tuesday that defenseman Brian Campbell will be out approximately seven to eight weeks with a fractured clavicle and fractured rib.

As reported first by ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers, Campbell suffered the injuries Sunday when Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin hit him into the boards.

Ovechkin was ejected from the game and on Monday was issued a two-game suspension by the league.

"He will likely avoid surgery, and we anticipate a full recovery," Blackhawks physician Michael Terry said in a statement. "He should be ready to play in approximately seven to eight weeks."

Ovechkin on Tuesday said he was disappointed by the suspension.

In a brief interview with reporters in South Florida, the two-time MVP first said he was sorry that the hit resulted in an injury for Campbell and added that he was "disappointed" it resulted in a two-game suspension.

"I didn't mean to make someone injured," Ovechkin told reporters. "But you know, it's a hockey game."

Ovechkin drove Campbell into the boards from behind in the first period Sunday and received a major penalty and a game misconduct. The Blackhawks defenseman stayed down for several minutes before he was able to leave the ice with a trainer. He did not return to the game.

The injuries mean the 30-year-old Campbell's streak of consecutive regular-season games, which reached 388 on Sunday, is over. Chicago's regular season ends April 11, and Campbell could return by mid-May if the Blackhawks are still in the playoffs.

Campbell is a three-time All-Star who has seven goals and 31 assists this season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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