Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw expected to play Saturday

Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw is expected to play Saturday for the first time since suffering a right leg injury May 2, Coach Joel Quenneville confirmed after Friday’s practice at Staples Center.

“We’re happy to have ‘Shawsy’ back,” Quenneville said after being asked if Shaw would replace Peter Regin in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Kings. “He’s been there mostly all year, so that’s where he’s at.”

Shaw, who had 20 goals and 19 assists during the regular season, was hit by Minnesota Wild defenseman Clayton Stoner in the first period of Game 1 of the defending Stanley Cup champions’ conference semifinal series. He’s practiced with the Blackhawks since Tuesday.

“A long wait, long recovery,” Shaw said. “I know it was only three weeks but it feels like a couple of months.”

Shaw has two goals and two assists in six-plus playoff games.

Regin said he expects to be removed from the lineup.

“We’re all happy to see [Shaw] back,” Regin told reporters. “Somebody has to come out. If I’m in that mix, I’ll just have to deal with it and stay positive and be ready to play if I get a chance again. That’s the only thing you can do. The worst thing you can do is put your head down.”