Versteeg's star remains on the rise

DENVER - Each day Kris Versteeg worries the Blackhawks will send him back to the minors.

"Nothing against Rockford, but I don't want to go back," Versteeg said.

Fat chance of that happening.

The rookie Versteeg has become a critical part of the Hawks' offense and today is expected to be named to play in the NHL Young Stars Game at all-star weekend in Montreal.

Versteeg comfortably led all rookies in scoring with 33 points going into Thursday's game against the Avalanche. He had 5 goals and 3 assists in the previous six games and was on pace to score more than 70 points.

"At some point everyone says how long is this going to go on for, but we use him in all situations and he's getting quality ice time and he keeps doing it," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "You have to commend him on a strong start to the season and being consistent."

Versteeg's 13 goals put him third on the team behind Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane.

"He scores some big goals for us and some pretty ones as well," Quenneville said. "When you're a young guy in this league, be it a defenseman or a scoring forward, being consistent and predictable is the best way to measure your efficiency, and he's been all that."

All grown up: Patrick Kane remembers the thrill of playing in the Young Stars Game last season.

Now, Kane is going to the big game the next day as the leading vote-getter in the Western Conference.

"It was a really fun event for me to see all the players there," Kane said. "We were stuck in the corner of the locker room with all the big stars there and you were watching guys like Joe Thornton and (Dion) Phaneuf taping their sticks. It's going to be a pretty cool to be part of that group now."

Odd man out: Cam Barker was a healthy scratch for the third straight game Thursday with Joel Quenneville sticking with Aaron Johnson and Matt Walker in his top six.

"We don't expect Barks to be sitting forever," Quenneville said. "I would expect him to be playing and get some games in a row."

Walker's steady play has made it difficult for Quenneville to take him out.

"Walker has played well and gives us some size and toughness and has been consistent in his game, too," Quenneville said. "He's been effective."

Tip-ins: Adam Burish stayed in the lineup after his 3-point night against Phoenix with Craig Adams joining Cam Barker as a healthy scratch. ... The Hawks weren't expected to arrive in Nashville following Thursday's game until 3 a.m. ... Avs coach Tony Granato said he expected Joe Sakic to return to the lineup in late March following back and finger surgeries.