"Injured defenseman Brian Campbell's return could be closer than expected. But neither Campbell nor coach Joel Quenneville is revealing too much.

What is apparent, though, is that Campbell's skills are definitely missed as the Hawks trail the defensive-oriented Nashville Predators 2-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals. Game 4 is tonight in Nashville.

''I haven't had anything draw me back,'' Campbell said before the Hawks' 4-1 loss Tuesday in Game 3. ''The doctor set out the timetable to begin with, and that timetable is still in.''

Hawks physician Michael Terry said in a statement two days after Campbell fractured a collarbone and rib March 14 that ''he should be ready to play in about seven to eight weeks.'' Campbell is nearing six weeks since his injuries, which occurred when Washington's Alex Ovechkin shoved him into the boards."