Sharp just happy to be back in Hawks' lineup
There were two big questions lately surrounding Patrick Sharp's return to the Blackhawks' lineup after more than a month away: Might it be Tuesday night in New Jersey, and would No. 10 be back on the top line?
Yes and no.
Sharp, who went down with a knee injury Nov. 4 in Montreal, will indeed be back Tuesday, but instead of playing alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa on the top line, he will be slotted on the third line with Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell.
"We said we'd find a spot, and he's got a pretty good spot," said coach Joel Quenneville, who opted to stick with Brandon Saad on the top line. "Watching practice today, he looked pretty good with those two guys - Shawsie and Bicks.
"He gives us some options. He helps our power play. It's good to get him back playing."
Added Shaw: "He gives us offense and speed. He's a veteran player who knows how to play all over the rink - I look forward to playing with him."
Sharp will play right wing on the third line, a switch he's absolutely fine with.
"I've played all three positions and even go back on the point for power plays," he said. "I'm used to being bounced around and playing with different players, different spots. It's no problem at all."
Because the last thing Sharp wants to do is disrupt the flow of a Hawks team that has been on an absolute tear, going 11-3 in his absence.
"The team's been playing great, no question about that," he said. "I'm just trying to come back and find a role, play the way I know I can and try to help the team even more."
But he knows a return to form might take time after being away so long.
"First couple of games are a little tricky, but I'm not hesitant at all," said Sharp, who had 9 points in 13 points before getting hurt. "I'm past the injury physically and mentally.
"If I can get out there, I just want to get as many reps, as many shifts as I can, feel comfortable with the puck and playing what role it is I am playing and go from there."
After watching from the sidelines for so long, the veteran can't wait to get back out there in any way, shape or form.
"It's always difficult watching, especially when the team's on the road and you can't really communicate and be around the guys on a day-to-day basis," he said. "It's nice to be back joining the team and going on the road trips and hanging out, going for dinners and just being a part of the group of guys again."
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